ACR 16: Introduce a Girl to Engineering Day.

WHEREAS, February 25, 2021, is recognized nationally and internationally as Introduce a Girl to Engineering Day; and

WHEREAS, Women have contributed to the diverse fields of engineering both historically and currently, yet remain underrepresented in both education programs and the workforce; and

WHEREAS, In 1960, less than 1 percent of recorded engineers were women; and

WHEREAS, The number of women employed in architecture and engineering had risen to 14 percent by 2011; and

WHEREAS, Women account for only one-fifth of bachelors degrees, one-quarter of masters degrees, and nearly one-quarter of doctorates in engineering; and

WHEREAS, Female science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) graduates earn less than their male counterparts; and

WHEREAS, According to the 2015 results of the Program for International Student Assessment, one in 20 boys, but less than one in 200 girls, expect a career in information and computer technologies; and

WHEREAS, A myriad of organizations and programs in the United States are committed to combating the gender gap in engineering by encouraging women and girls to explore male-dominated STEM fields; and

WHEREAS, California is a world leader in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics; and

WHEREAS, California remains committed to the principles of gender equality; now, therefore, be it

Resolved by the Assembly of the State of California, the Senate thereof concurring, That February 25, 2021, is hereby commemorated by the Legislature as Introduce a Girl to Engineering Day; and be it further

Resolved, That the Chief Clerk of the Assembly transmit copies of this resolution to the author for appropriate distribution.