Innovating for Talent: Getting Girls Interested in STEM

Women make up half of the total U.S. college-educated workforce but only 28 percent of the science and engineering workforce, according to the National Science Board.

P&G is working to change that statistic by removing barriers to education for girls and economic opportunities for women through social impact programs and advocacy. Our commitment to creating a more equal world – with equal voice and equal representation for all individuals – includes a special focus on girls in STEM.

“Innovation has always been the lifeblood of P&G, and it is critical to drive sustained growth,” said Kathy Fish, Chief Research, Development and Innovation Officer for P&G. “When young women pursue STEM degrees, we can staff critical positions within our company – engineers, scientists and IT experts. Our innovation is most effective when we have both men AND women designing it.”

Exposing more girls to possibilities in STEM fields gets special attention on February 11, International Day of Women and Girls in Science – a day designed to recognize the critical role women and girls play in science and technology – but it’s something we think about every day. Sparking a girl’s interest in STEM at an early age significantly increases the odds that she will pursue a STEM career. We are stepping up to help ensure all girls, regardless of background, get the right STEM experiences and the encouragement to carry on.

One way we’re making a difference is through our partnership with Girls Who Code (GWC), an international non-profit organization working to close the gender gap in technology and leading the movement to inspire, educate and equip young women with the computing skills needed to pursue 21st century opportunities.

Our partnership supports GWC after-school clubs, free programs for 3^rd-12^th grade girls, run by community leaders, teachers, librarians and parents. The clubs teach participants about Computer Science in a fun and safe environment and help build their confidence.

In the summer of 2020, we will also host a Girls Who Code Summer Immersion Program in our headquarter city of Cincinnati. During the free seven-week program, rising juniors and seniors will learn about computer science, gain exposure to tech jobs, and join a national sisterhood of girls who are using computer science to become change-makers. Upon graduation from the program, the Girls Who Code alumni network connects tens of thousands of girls across the U.S. who are using technology to make a difference. Applications are open now through March 13.

Learn more:
• Gender Equality at P&G
• Girls Who Code