The Institute for Women’s Policy Research highlights 7 successful projects to attract and retain female students in community college STEM programs.

A 2011 report about STEM workforce needs from the Center on Education and the Workforce at Georgetown University indicates that by 2018, 92 percent of STEM workers will need post-secondary education. Of that total, around 65 percent will need a Bachelor’s degree or higher, while 35 percent will be comprised of those with sub-baccalaureate training. The breakdown in qualifications making up that 35 percent: 1 million Associate’s degrees; 745,000 professional certificates; and 760,000 industry-based certifications. According to the report, “There is increasing demand for STEM talent at the sub-baccalaureate level and our education system has, thus far, not adequately produced those workers. Going forward, our Career and Technical Education system will need a stronger STEM curriculum at the high-school and sub-baccalaureate level that is more tightly linked with competencies necessary for STEM jobs.”