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Before representing Nevada in Congress, I worked in Las Vegas as a computer programmer and systems analyst in what’s been long considered a male-dominated industry. It wasn’t easy. Like millions of women today, I experienced wage discrimination and the difficulties that come with challenging the gender stereotype associated with STEM (science, technology, engineering and math). Despite the progress we’ve made since then, according to the U.S. Department of Commerce, women still make up less than a quarter of the STEM workforce despite making up nearly half the U.S. workforce.
Fewer than 1 in 5 women receives a degree in computer science, while high school boys are nearly twice as likely to take a computer science course and three times as likely to take an engineering one when compared to their female classmates.
The gender disparity in STEM is depriving our country of talented minds that could be inventing the next breakthrough technology, founding the next big startup or keeping our nation safe from cyberattacks. There is a high demand for jobs in the STEM field across the country, with 500,000 computing jobs unfilled. In Nevada there are close to 3,000 open jobs in computing. By leveling the STEM gender gap, we can provide more skilled workers to better meet the demand for them. That’s why since entering Congress, I’ve made it a top priority to promote opportunities for women in STEM.
I recently introduced the “Code Like a Girl Act,” bipartisan legislation aimed at encouraging girls to explore careers in the field of computer science. My legislation would create two National Science Foundation grants to research and fund computer science programs that encourage early childhood education in STEM for girls under the age of 10. I’ve also introduced another piece of bipartisan legislation, the “Building Blocks of STEM Act,” which would enhance and strengthen the learning and teaching of STEM education for students under age 11.
By inspiring these children earlier, we are instilling in them the curiosity and interest needed to show them that the field of STEM is as equally accessible to them as anyone else.
One of my top requests from House appropriators this cycle is to fund National Science Foundation computer science education programs in schools to equip all students with the skills needed to prepare them for our 21st century global economy. In addition, I recently helped introduce the “STEM Opportunities Act,” which promotes data-driven research on the participation and trajectories of women and underrepresented minorities in STEM.
Aside from introducing and supporting legislation to help close the gender gap in STEM, I believe that shining the spotlight on female role models is one of the best ways we can break the gender stereotype. I am pleased to announce an initiative highlighting remarkable Nevada women who are studying or working in STEM fields. Every month, my office will showcase a new and exceptional woman with an interesting story to tell or an impressive career path. By highlighting female pioneers in STEM, we can encourage aspiring young women who want to study or work in these fields.
If we are going to lead the world in creating an economy of the future, then we must break down the barriers that are holding us back from our full potential. We must create a more inclusive workforce for all. I encourage you to contact my office in Washington or in Las Vegas to share your story or your opinion, and I encourage you to nominate a Nevada woman in STEM by visiting my website rosen.house.gov. Each and every voice matters to me, and I will ensure that it is heard.
Rep. Jacky Rosen, D-Nev., was elected in to Congress in November. She represents state’s 3rd Congressional District. Her contact information is as follows: Las Vegas office phone 702-963-9500; Washington, D.C., office phone 202-225-3252; online email form URL https://rosen.house.gov/contact/email.
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