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The Underrespresentation Of Hispanic Women In The Science, Technology, Engineering, And Mathematics Fields: What Can Be Done To Curie The Problem., Elky Almaraz

The Scholar: St. Mary's Law Review on Race and Social Justice

Hispanic women comprise approximately eight percent of the United States’ population and represent the largest group of minority women. However, Hispanic women only make up approximately two percent of the science and engineering workforce. In contrast, Caucasian women form approximately one-third of the United States’ population and eighteen percent of the science, technology, engineering, or mathematics (STEM) workforce. Hispanic women begin a post-secondary education in STEM fields with a proportional interest to other gender or racial groups. However, they are far less likely to continue the coursework and ultimately earn a degree than their non-minority classmates. Schools and education officials …