The Gap Between Male and Female Enrollment in Aerospace Engineering: A Problem Solution Analysis for Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University

Lauren Augusto

Abstract

To increase the number of women in the aerospace workforce, the number of women pursuing these degrees in college needs to increase. Increasing the number of women who enter the aerospace field begins in their adolescence. The goal of this problem-solution analysis is to analyze the current data about the gap between men and women in Science, Technology, Engineering, and Math (STEM) programs and develop a solution that would mitigate this gap over time. Although there is ample research regarding gender gaps, gender issues, and workplace environments, most of the data is not quantitative. This poses an issue when developing solutions. The goal of this report's methodology was to first inquire about the reasons for the lack of female enrollment in aerospace universities, then investigate solutions that are present in current literature reviews. The result of this analysis is to be presented to the Undergraduate Admissions team of Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University as their current male-to-female ratio is highly unequal. In conducting this research, the reasons for the lack of enrollment came down to two factors. These two were systemic gender stereotypes and a lack of female mentors. It was found that increasing exposure to positive female role models increases the interest and retention rate of women in STEM. Although there is no singular solution to the gender disparity, there are multiple options which Embry- Riddle can take to increase its female enrollment rate. These include outreach programs to young girls, increasing female faculty, and bringing awareness to female-specific issues in the workplace. These three solutions, working in conjunction with each other, make a more enticing and positive environment for women, breaking the current gender stereotypes, and making positive change to the current gap.

 

The Gap Between Male and Female Enrollment in Aerospace Engineering: A Problem Solution Analysis for Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University

To increase the number of women in the aerospace workforce, the number of women pursuing these degrees in college needs to increase. Increasing the number of women who enter the aerospace field begins in their adolescence. The goal of this problem-solution analysis is to analyze the current data about the gap between men and women in Science, Technology, Engineering, and Math (STEM) programs and develop a solution that would mitigate this gap over time. Although there is ample research regarding gender gaps, gender issues, and workplace environments, most of the data is not quantitative. This poses an issue when developing solutions. The goal of this report's methodology was to first inquire about the reasons for the lack of female enrollment in aerospace universities, then investigate solutions that are present in current literature reviews. The result of this analysis is to be presented to the Undergraduate Admissions team of Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University as their current male-to-female ratio is highly unequal. In conducting this research, the reasons for the lack of enrollment came down to two factors. These two were systemic gender stereotypes and a lack of female mentors. It was found that increasing exposure to positive female role models increases the interest and retention rate of women in STEM. Although there is no singular solution to the gender disparity, there are multiple options which Embry- Riddle can take to increase its female enrollment rate. These include outreach programs to young girls, increasing female faculty, and bringing awareness to female-specific issues in the workplace. These three solutions, working in conjunction with each other, make a more enticing and positive environment for women, breaking the current gender stereotypes, and making positive change to the current gap.