2/12/2021
Diversity in STEM: P&G Opens Eyes to the Possibilities
P&G relies heavily on a highly skilled STEM workforce, so we’re working hard to support STEM education. We envision a world where ALL students are given the opportunity to explore a career in science, technology, engineering and mathematics.
Did you know? Only 27% of women consider a tech career versus 62% of men. And only 3% of women would choose tech as their first choice versus 15% of men! (That according to statistics from the January 14, 2020, FQ Insider by Female Quotient.)
P&G is working hard to change those numbers through our commitment to creating a more equal world. We have a particular interest in STEM given our reliance on a highly skilled STEM workforce – like engineers, scientists, IT experts, innovators – to drive technology-based innovation that powers our brands and grows our business.
April Cielica, Vice President of Purchasing & Financial Solutions at P&G, is leading a group of team members focused on attracting underserved populations, including girls, to pursue education in technology.
The team is helping students as young as junior high school develop an interest in Information Technology. Other programs target talented professionals who have taken a break from their careers, autistic candidates as well as underserved students who want to earn a two-year Associate’s degree while in high school.
“We are building opportunities and awareness for IT careers in our communities,” Cielica said, “while also educating our people to think differently when creating and hiring for IT roles so we can ensure equal representation of all individuals.”
The team’s efforts are already making a difference, according to Michael Sullivan, an IT teacher at Princeton High School in Cincinnati, Ohio.
“These opportunities are a game changer for teachers trying to motivate students to invest in technical knowledge and skills,” he said. “I cannot overstate how it’s opening my students’ eyes. Now they see what is possible and word is spreading.”
The work happening in our headquarters region of Cincinnati is just one example of our commitment to recruit and support diverse talent in all STEM disciplines – a mission with share with many passionate partners including Girls Who Code, Discovery Education, Chemical Education Foundation, Million Women Mentors and Cincinnati Arts and Technology Studios.
Discovery Education
Through our partnership with Discovery Education as part of the STEM Careers Coalition, 50 schools across the United States have access to STEM Connect and Discovery Education Experience (DE.X) to impact the culture of STEM education in K – 12 schools nationwide and provide equitable access to critical educational resources. The STEM Career Coalition joins forces with industries to empower teachers, re-imagine STEM learning and inspire students to tackle the exciting innovation work of the future.
Watch the video to learn more.
Girls Who Code
For the second consecutive year, P&G will host a Girls Who Code Summer Immersion Program June 21-July 2, 2021 in Cincinnati. During the two week, all-virtual experience, 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.
Learn more and apply for the program here Summer Immersion Program Application.
Our brands strongly believe in supporting this cause, too. Olay is just one of our brands who has a longstanding commitment to STEM. For example, to celebrate International Day of Women and Girls in Science, Olay is giving away 250 science lessons in a box to nominated teachers nationwide. They are also committed to doubling the number of women in STEM and tripling the number of women of color in STEM by 2030. Learn more about Olay’s efforts here.
To learn more:
