Cracking the Code: Media Portrayals of Women in Science, Technology, Engineering, and Math

Women hold less than 25% of our country's STEM (science, technology, engineering, and math) jobs, and yet these fields are increasingly important in our interconnected and high-tech global economy. What are the barriers that inhibit women and girls from entering these critical careers? What part does media play in creating role models and changing perceptions of STEM careers for women and girls?

In partnership with Verizon, The Paley Center for Media presents a two-part series exploring media portrayals of women in STEM, and the impact of media in encouraging more women and girls to enter and pursue these fields. The first event brought together a panel of prominent faces of tech and science on television (Elizabeth Henstridge, Aisha Tyler) to assess how the field has been portrayed, historically up to programs of today.

On February 21, we will convene media and STEM professionals together with girls studying STEM fields to explore the future: can media do more to inspire young girls to pursue STEM careers? The program begins with a keynote from Dr. Jo Handelsman, who is one of the White House’s chief advocates for science education and women in science, and continues with a panel of STEM leaders and innovators discussing their experiences and challenges. We then break into working groups that will allow students to brainstorm and “pitch” ideas for creating more positive STEM portrayals and storylines, working with STEM executives and television writers and creators.

Funding for this event is provided by