Policymakers Must Address Pervasive Disparities in Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM) Fields
Despite increased attention on building a more diverse STEM pipeline, data and conversations with employers point to persistent challenges. California Competes discussed these challenges with members of the California Business Roundtable during a focus group to identify strategies to improve higher education and workforce alignment.
Employers told us that they want to hire more diverse candidates but struggle to recruit from colleges and universities. Data reveal mixed outcomes when evaluating diversity in STEM fields over time.
Both employers and leaders in higher education must work together to overcome pervasive disparities in STEM fields that have persisted and even worsened in the 21st century.
California Competes has identified three policy solutions aimed at building diversity among STEM majors and in the STEM workforce.
Read more in our latest blog post from California Competes Executive Director Dr. Su Jin Gatlin Jez.
