BILL ANALYSIS Ó
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Date of Hearing: March 5, 2015
ASSEMBLY COMMITTEE ON RULES
Gordon, Chair
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17 (Chang) - As Introduced February 2, 2015
SUBJECT: Women and Girls in STEM Week.
SUMMARY: Designates April 5 to April 11, 2015, inclusive, as
Women and Girls in STEM week, and encourage all citizens and
community organizations to support the observance of California
Women and Girls in STEM Week by encouraging and celebrating
women in the STEM fields. Specifically, this resolution makes
the following legislative findings:
1)Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM) are
critical fields for the success of California's economy and
many of the fastest growing occupations in the United States
require some form of expertise in the areas of STEM.
2)STEM careers represent some of the highest paying positions in
any field, thereby providing desirable career opportunities
and real pathways out of poverty. Preparing students for the
STEM workforce is essential to fulfill the demands of our 21st
century, innovation-focused economy.
3)According to the Census Bureau, while women make up nearly
one-half of the working population, they only represent 26
percent of the STEM workforce. In California, only 15 percent
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of engineering graduates are women and only 15 percent of
engineers in the workforce are women; women in computer
occupations declined from 34 percent to 27 percent in 2011.
4)Despite underrepresentation in STEM fields, there are many
California female leaders who represent the STEM community and
serve as role models for young girls preparing for STEM
careers.
FISCAL EFFECT: None
REGISTERED SUPPORT / OPPOSITION:
Support
Bloom Energy
California STEM Learning Network (CSLNet)
Children Now
PayPal
TechNet
Opposition
None on file
Analysis Prepared by:Nicole Willis / RLS. / (916) 319-2800
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