In the fall of 2012, three million more young American women entered college than their male counterparts. That’s a significant number, considering the entire population of the state of Connecticut is barely over three and a half million. Women outnumber men in an even greater scale in postgraduate education. In 2009, 60% of Master’s degrees in the United States were given to women.
Yet, despite the formidable head start American women seem to have over American men by count, these institutions of higher learning continue to churn out more male than female scientists, engineers, mathematicians, computer scientists, and other high-tech, high-paying, highly-sought after graduates. About three to one, in fact, according to the US Department of Commerce.
We at the Connecticut Technology Council have been striving to equalize this imbalance in Connecticut for a decade now. Our Women of Innovation® program will be entering its 10th year in 2014, recognizing dynamic, ground-breaking women in science, engineering, entrepreneurship, and other fields who have stood out as innovators in fields traditionally and historically occupied by men.
Our goals are simple- to acknowledge the exceptional work of regional women who are leaders in their industries and communities, and to teach by example the next generation of would-be Women of Innovation® that being a researcher, engineer, physicist, or CEO is not only something they’re capable of, but something society truly wants to see them become.
Mark your calendars for the 2014 Women of Innovation® awards on March 27, 2014. Our 10th anniversary celebration will be bigger and better than ever. Early nominations for finalists are being accepted now on our website. We hope you’ll nominate an inspirational woman you know.Related articles