Retention of Women in Technology Programs

The consistent growth trend in the percentage of female students in schools of technology is apparent, but the actual number of females is still relatively small. To compound this problem, the attrition rate for this female minority is higher than that of males. Therefore, the challenge of the 1980´s is to continue active recruitment of competent females and, once recruited, to retain them in academic programs. To do so, curricula must be creatively adapted and expanded, remedial help must be made available, financial assistance must be provided, and strong personal support systems must be instituted.