On National STEM Day, Rosen & Capito Launch Senate's First Women in STEM Caucus

Press Release

Today, U.S. Senators Jacky Rosen (D-NV) and Shelley Moore Capito (R-WV) launched the Senate's first Women in STEM Caucus, a new bipartisan group that will work to advance women's participation in science, technology, engineering, and math education and careers. The caucus will provide a forum for discussion and legislative collaboration about how to expand access to STEM education for women and increase women's participation in STEM-related fields. November 8 is National STEM Day.

According to recent data from the U.S. Census, women -- who make up nearly half of the entire American workforce -- are making gains but are still "vastly underrepresented" in the STEM workforce, holding less than one-third of all STEM jobs.

"We have an important role to play in making STEM education and careers more accessible for women, which is why Senator Capito and I are proud to launch the Senate's first Women in STEM Caucus," said Senator Rosen. "I know the career opportunities that are available with STEM education, and I'm committed to helping more women, particularly women of color, enter and succeed in these exciting fields. This bipartisan caucus will bring together diverse voices to develop and promote policies and programs that support women and girls in STEM. We will also raise awareness on how women's underrepresentation in STEM classes and jobs limits the United States from achieving our full economic potential and fully addressing some of the most pressing challenges of the 21st century."

"STEM fields are where the in-demand jobs are right now, and it's where they will be in the future. These are jobs in industries that are critical to our economy, will help our states and country as a whole grow," said Senator Capito. "However, as a former educator and college advisor, I have seen firsthand how young women often do not consider STEM education for career paths. I'm proud to team up with my colleague--and former computer programmer--Senator Rosen to launch this caucus, which will help promote policies and other efforts that will increase opportunities for young students to engage in STEM fields. Inspiring our young women to rise up and reach their potential is so important, and I'm excited to be a part of this partnership that will help continue the momentum we've started."

Senators Rosen and Capito's bipartisan Building Blocks of STEM Act was signed into law in 2019. This law:

Provides research grants through the National Science Foundation (NSF) to increase understanding of the factors that contribute to the participation of young girls in STEM activities, study the barriers to engaging young girls in STEM, and develop strategies for prekindergarten and elementary school educators to increase the participation of young girls in computer science.
Enhances support for early childhood STEM education within an NSF research program that seeks to improve PreK-12 STEM education and teaching.
Helps increase the participation of underrepresented populations in STEM fields.

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