Addressing the Leaky Pipeline

For years, there has been recognition of The Leaky STEM Pipeline in which women, BIPOC, and other groups become underrepresented in the STEM fields. Natasha Matta, who curated the outstanding list of 50 Black Women in STEM You Should Know About among many other posts worthy of your time, highlights this concerning issue and action that can be taken to address it—including introducing more students to STEM and showcasing role models. At Nashoba Brooks, we are committed to this and more. We know from our work with ICGS that girls’ schools make a difference in helping students see themselves as scientists, mathematicians, and engineers. In fact, according to research conducted by Dr. Tiffany Riggers-Piehl, “Girls’ school graduates on average report greater science self-confidence than coeducated peers in their ability to use technical science skills, understand scientific concepts, generate a research question, explain study results, and determine appropriate data collection.” The Goodman Research Group finds that “Girls’ school graduates are six times more likely to consider majoring in math, science, and technology compared to girls who attended coeducational schools,” and a study conducted by Dr. Linda Sax notes, that “Compared to coeducated peers, girls’ school graduates are three times more likely to consider engineering careers.” Fueled by these findings, Nashoba Brooks School is excited to offer our STEAM Scholarship for girls entering Grade 4, covering five years of full tuition for selected students interested in engaging with STEAM through our innovative, interdisciplinary curriculum. What can you do to help stop the leaks?