What is STEAM?

You might have heard of STEM before, but STEAM includes an “A” for Art because it is becoming widely accepted that creativity is just as necessary to scientific discovery as any other area within STEAM. You can find out more about the A in STEAM here.

Leaders in STEAM are necessary to help guide these rapidly expanding fields. Coders and programmers are required to thoughtfully monitor and add to the new field of artificial intelligence. Scientists and biotechnologists are always needed to develop life-saving cures and treatments. Mathematicians are constantly working to fight cyber crime and create fair algorithms. The STEAM fields are more varied than you might think and offer something for everyone. However, despite being just as capable as men, women comprise only about one quarter of people who work in STEAM.² This gender gap is caused by a variety of factors, but it is extremely problematic for the scientific fields and the world beyond. Without women, innovation and scientific discovery become one-sided and deeply hindered. You can learn more about the gender gap on this page. Women’s unique perspectives and creativity are required not only to help the STEAM fields thrive, but to create and balance out social and cultural norms in both science and society in general.

This website was created to encourage young women to dream STEAM. Women already making a difference in the STEAM fields have shared their insight and advice to help inspire the next generation of STEAM women. Each of the subject pages on this website (ex. Technology) contains information about the opportunities in that field as well as profiles of several women already making their mark. A career in STEAM is available, achievable, and exciting, so let this dream team of women role models inspire you to discover everything that makes STEAM so special.