eports such as Rising Above the Gathering Storm and its follow-ups by the National Academies highlight an urgency to develop and retain a homegrown workforce in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM), especially historically underrepresented groups, such as women, due to global competition for science and engineering talent [6][7]. Unfortunately, the percentage of women in computing has dropped dramatically from 30% in the 1990s to 12% today [8]. While research suggests a "leaky pipeline" for women, or women leaving STEM at each stage of their education and career [3] [5], other research finds that women take various "pathways" to enter STEM fields or careers. In other words, while scientists and engineers typically start their careers with enrolling in a bachelor's program in a STEM field in a four-year college, many enter STEM in other ways, especially with the intervention of higher education institutions and federal agencies [4]. Many employed in science and engineering occupations have their highest degree in STEM but not necessarily the bachelor's degree in STEM [8]. Meanwhile, Software Engineering continues to be the No. 1 profession with the most in-demand and well paid jobs worldwide [15][16].
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