Gender disparity in engineering: results and analysis from school counselors survey and national vignette

In an earlier paper by our group [1] we presented statistical analysis based on 30 years of ACT data illustrating gender disparity in engineering majors and career choices. Obtained results also revealed the presence of a large number of students who are interested in engineering but who may not be adequately prepared to pursue a successful career in this discipline. Because of the role of school counselors as "gate keepers" of both academic information and career planning options, further understanding of the role of school counselors in the longstanding gender disparity in the engineering field has been established as an important avenue for interventions to help reverse a continued declining trend of female participation in STEM related fields. This paper describes results of a survey that is specifically targeted school counselors and their knowledge of engineering and the social influences that may affect their guidance approach for female students. To help delve further into the attitudes of school counselors regarding the issue of gender disparity, a vignette was developed for national distribution, and results from this effort will also presented in this paper.