Date of Award

2019

Document Type

Dissertation

Degree Name

Doctor of Philosophy (PhD)

Department

Education

Abstract

Researchers, policy makers, business and industry leaders, teachers, and parents have suggested that the United States is experiencing a shortage of qualified trained individuals in Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM). Many research studies have been conducted to help determine cause and effect of females participating in STEM fields. This case study was designed with the purpose to gain insight in what has taken place or what barriers were overcome for females to become successful in nontraditional STEM careers. For the purpose of this study, nontraditional was determined to be careers in the fields of construction, engineering, andBailey College of Engineering and Technology. The focusing question for the research was, What can be done to engage more females in nontraditional STEM careers?” Two sub questions were used to direct this case study through multiple sets of interviews with five participants that met the established criteria of the study. These were: (1) What barriers prohibit women from being engaged in nontraditional STEM careers? (2) What are supportive factors that encourage women to be in engaged in nontraditional STEM careers? Three themes emerged from the case study; 1. Self-awareness around gender is a contributing factor to the success of females in nontraditional STEM careers; 2. Strong female role models are essential to the successful exploration of nontraditional STEM careers; 3. Self-imposed high level of expectations help facilitate the success of females in nontraditional STEM careers. Analysis of the themes can be used by teachers, school administrators, policy makers, social workers, and family specialists in helping provide opportunity for young females to become interested in nontraditional STEM areas by removing barriers and providing support that was recorded in the study.

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