Women in the United States have made great strides in education and entry in the workplace over the past 50 years, yet they continue to be underrepresented in science, technology, engineering and math, referred to collectively as STEM disciplines.

In 2009-10, females made up less than 25 percent of participants in these programs nationally. However, a report by the Girl Scouts of America, published in 2012, shows hope for seeing a significant increase in women in STEM disciplines in future generations.

According to the report, girls are drawn to the STEM disciplines by the creative, hands-on aspects of the fields. Girls are also interested in making a difference in the world and need more exposure to STEM disciplines in order to understand how these fields can achieve their goals.

What’s different about this report as compared to reports published by the White House or other governmental agencies is that it focused on girls’ perceptions, attitudes and abilities to pursue STEM fields.

It seems in the girls’ of today’s minds, “running like a girl” is no different than running like a boy.

Read the full story online at The Ledger.