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This report presents findings and recommendations from the first
cross-institutional, longitudinal examination of undergraduate women’s
experiences and persistence in engineering majors programs in the
United States. Funded by both the National Science Foundation and the
Alfred P. Sloan Foundation and conducted by Goodman Research Group,
Inc. (GRG), the three-year study highlights the importance of support
activities to women’s persistence.
The report explores the
aspects of undergraduate women’s educational experiences that are
critical to their retention in engineering. It finds that a number of
factors influence women’s overall engineering experience, and that
involvement in social enrichment activities, positive change in
self-confidence, and positive perceptions about the classroom and
department environment are among those that define women who tend to
stay in the major. The report provides specific recommendations
including stepping up efforts to provide opportunities for
undergraduate women to participate in on-campus community-building and
making room for students to pursue and develop other interests and
skills in the first two years.
A printed and bound copy of
the full project report (300 pages, includes 26 pages of color graphs
and the executive summary) is available for $60 (includes postage and
handling). A printed and bound copy of the Executive Summary (2-color;
12 pages) is available for $10 (includes postage and handling). Email
Tina Lagerstedt (lagerstedt@grginc.com) with purchase requests.
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