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| News Release, August 26, 2008
Women and Minorities Not Getting Mentoring in Engineering and Science, Mentornet Study Finds (San Jose, CA) -Mentoring is a key factor in keeping women and minorities on track to careers in science, technology, engineering and mathematics, yet they overwhelmingly reported a lack of mentoring opportunities, according to a new study released by MentorNet. MentorNet surveyed more than 2,500 students and postdoctoral scholars in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics to learn more about their need for mentors. Over 70% of the women responding said they did not have a consistent source for advice and support they could go to without fear of affecting grades or hurting their careers. Yet, they consistently expressed their need for someone who was able to serve as an objective sounding board and as a role model. "Women, minorities, and postdocs in engineering and sciences believe a wide range of mentoring activities is important to their academic success," Jennifer Chou-Green, Director of the study found. "Students seek mentors who are non-threatening and encouraging role models, who offer advice, who respect them as individuals, and who help them overcome challenges." David Porush, MentorNet's CEO said: "In this increasingly technologized age we need to develop and retain all the talent we can in engineering and the sciences. One of the proven methods for doing so is to match students with professionals in a sustained mentoring relationship. By finding mentors in our partner corporations and matching them with women and minorities, we are filling a crucial gap in the careers of worthy students and enlarging the talent pool in these crucial disciplines." Research briefs summarizing the finding are available for Academic
Leaders, Students, and Faculty, along with the full study on the
MentorNet website. About MentorNet - www.MentorNet.net MentorNet, headquartered in San Jose, California, is a nonprofit 501(c)(3) organization working to further the progress of women and others underrepresented in scientific and technical fields through the use of a dynamic, technology-supported mentoring network. MentorNet aims to advance individuals and society, and enhance engineering and related sciences, by promoting a diversified, expanded and talented workforce. In partnership with colleges and universities, corporations, government labs and agencies, and professional societies, MentorNet is international in scope, serving students and professionals from all over the world. MentorNet was recognized in 2001 with the (U.S.) Presidential Award for Excellence in Science, Mathematics and Engineering Mentoring. Major funding is provided by IBM, Intel Foundation, Texas Instruments, Cisco Systems, Hewlett Packard, AT&T, 3M Foundation, Alcoa Foundation, and the S.D. Bechtel, Jr. Foundation. This material is based upon work supported by the National Science Foundation under Grant No. 0639762. Any opinions, findings, and conclusions or recommendations expressed in this material are those of the author(s) and do not necessarily reflect the views of the National Science Foundation. Contact:
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last edited on 2008-09-08 1:36 PM
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