Two thirds of teenage girls lack criticial information about STEM careers

I Wish report warns of alarming lack of guidance at second level

Life

Pictured: Libby Hudson,Stanhope Secondary School, Stoneybatter; Louise McEntee, Deloitte; Gillian Keating and Caroline O'Driscoll, I Wish; and Erin Kinsella, Stanhope Secondary School, Stoneybatter

More than two-thirds (67%) of teenage girls lack essential information about careers in Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM). Furthermore, 64% of respondents cited their lack of information on STEM college courses as a considerable barrier to pursuing careers in these fields. The findings have been published as part of this year’s report by I Wish, the organisation inspiring teenage girls globally towards STEM.

The survey asked 2,335 teenage girls about perceived barriers to a career in STEM. The results highlight the power of knowledge, with 41% of students emphasising the need for more career guidance and work-related activities during their school years. Surprisingly, 21% of girls reported never having a career guidance class, despite 97% having access to a guidance counsellor. These findings result in a failure to bring STEM to life for girls and the opportunities to design a better and more inclusive future through STEM.

Gillian Keating, co-founder of I Wish, said: “These statistics raise questions about the guidance counselling provided in some schools. It’s deeply concerning that 64% of girls lack information about STEM college careers and job opportunities. We must diversify how we present STEM careers and pathways, equipping young women with the knowledge they need.”

Caroline O’Driscoll, co-founder of I Wish, stated that they have engaged with over 60,000 girls in the past decade and have witnessed substantial positive change. “There has been a notable increase in female enrolment in STEM college courses, with the proportion rising from 29% in 2014 to 36% last year. Nevertheless, while significant progress is evident, there is still room for improvement. We must better appreciate the work-related values held by these girls,” she said. “A career in STEM arguably embodies these values, but perhaps we are not conveying the story effectively. This is where the I Wish survey plays a crucial role, allowing us to use the data to enhance the way we tell the story and change the story for girls.”

The research comes as I Wish gears up for its 10th annual STEM Showcase event, on 8 February 2024 at the RDS Dublin.

TechCentral Reporters

Read More: Education I Wish Science Science Technology Engineering Maths STEM