When it comes to science and math, the gender gap is one of alarming disproportion.

American undergraduates who leave science and engineering majors for other majors are often highly qualified, and they are disproportionately women and minority students.

Although the gender gap has narrowed over the years, males continue to outperform females on standardized tests of math and science achievement. To overcome this problem, it is necessary to make math and science accessible and exciting for all students. Teachers need to take into considerations differences in learning styles within each sex. Teachers and parents must have the resources and materials they need to give children hands-on experiences in math and science. When they do, experience shows that women and members of underpresented groups can succeed and excel at math and science – ensuring that these groups achieve their full potential is critical to filling our country’s needs for a capable, competitive workforce in the future.