Science and Technology for

Everyone

Holly Vineyard
July 28, 1995
Why Study Math and Science?
Why Study Math and Science?
Enhanced Career Options
• Many jobs in growing fields require technical
expertise
– Bioethics
– Computer software engineering
– Environmental science
– Information systems management
– Management consulting
– Law

– Can you think of more?

Why Study Math and Science?
Salary Differential
• On average, college-educated women earn
roughly 69% of what men with similar
backgrounds make.
• Women earn less than men even when they hold
identical jobs.
• But this disparity often disappears for women
who have a technical background (in fact, women
often out-earn men).
Why Study Math and Science?
National Competitiveness
• Currently, only 16% of scientists in the United
States are women.
• Our country’s strongest exports are in high-
technology fields.
– Aerospace
– Software
– Telecommunications
– Power generation
• To compete effectively in the global marketplace,
the U.S. needs the skills of its brightest women
as well as men.
How Does a Non-Scientist
Make Use of Technical Skills?
Technical Skills for the Non-Scientist:
A Few Specific Examples
• Desktop publishing
– Computer skills make it easy to produce professional-
looking materials quickly.
• Statistical analysis
– Useful in a wide range of tasks.
• The Internet
– Very flexible tool for research and communication; most
rewarding to those who are familiar (and comfortable)
with technology.
Some Interesting URLs
Some Interesting URLs
• http://www.stat-usa.gov/itabems.html
– U.S. Department of Commerce’s Big Emerging Markets
home page
• http://www.nas.edu/cwse/
– List of organizations supporting women in science and
engineering
• http://www.noaa.gov/
– National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration
• http://www.intel.com/
– Check out the science and math question service
Some Interesting URLs
• http://www.uswest.com/COR6.htm
– Information on another program for girls in science
• http://www.yahoo.com/Social_Science/
Women_s_Studies
– Directory of Internet resources for women
• http://www.unitedmedia.com/comics/dilbert
– “Dilbert” comic strip online
• http://www.brandonu.ca/~ennsnr/Cows/
– If at all possible, involve a cow
• http://www.wshs.fairfax.k12.va.us/tequity/
For Further Information...

Holly Vineyard
(703)-242-2618
vineyard@usita.gov