Internal Factors Outweigh Demographics in Shaping Girls' STEM Trajectories LAS VEGAS , Oct. 9, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- Ruling Our eXperiences (ROX) released " The Girls' IndexTM: Girls & STEM Impact Report " a groundbreaking study involving 17,502 girls in grades 5-12 across the United States . Unveiled at the STEM Innovation Forum, this report sheds light on evolving perceptions, interests and challenges girls face in pursuing STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering and Math) education and careers.
The good news: The efforts of STEM advocates, educators and professionals aimed at increasing girls' interest in STEM are working . Girls' interest in pursuing STEM careers has risen . 55% of girls reported they are interested in a STEM career, up from 45% in 2017.
Amongst the youngest girls surveyed, 5th and 6th graders' interest has risen by 20% over the same time. And regardless of racial identity or socioeconomic status, girls' interest in pursuing a career in STEM remains high through graduation. The bad news: While STEM interest is rising, girls' confidence in their STEM abilities is dropping .
Only 59% of girls believe they are good at math and science, down from 73% in 2017. And alarmingly, 58% of high school girls do not think they are smart enough for their dream job, up from 46% in 2017. Among 5th and 6th graders, this figure has more than doubled – with 52% not believing they are smart enough for their dream job, up from 23% in 2017.
Girls' perceptions of their own abili.