STEM fields, particularly those explored through Career Technical Education (CTE) pathways, offer high-wage, high-skill jobs. Yet women and minorities continue to be underrepresented in these fields, leaving a shortage of qualified workers and foregone revenues.
This report from the National Alliance for Partnerships in Equity (NAPE) explores the variables needed for female and underrepresented minority students to improve STEM literacy and pursue advanced certificates, degrees and careers in STEM fields. Further, the report addresses the academic and interest gaps that inhibit female and underrepresented minority students from pursing a STEM-focused education and provides policy recommendations to address these concerns.