U.S. Rep. Jan Schakowsky, D-Ill., today joined academic experts from
DeVry University, University of Illinois at Chicago and University of
Notre Dame for a panel discussion on the importance of women pursuing
education and careers in science, technology, engineering and math
(STEM).
"It's critical that we continue to inspire young women to pursue
educational and career opportunities in STEM-related fields," said Rep.
Schakowsky during the discussion at DeVry University's Chicago Loop
Center. "There is a significant gender disparity in this sector with
women holding less than 25 percent of all STEM jobs in this country.
There is a tremendous opportunity for women to make a difference with
America's innovative capacity and global competitiveness."
During the discussion, four STEM academic experts discussed their
experiences and provided guidance for females pursuing an education and
careers in science, technology, engineering and math.
Program participants included Congresswoman Schakowsky; Carmen Lilley,
associate professor with the College of Engineering at the University of
Illinois at Chicago; Veronica Arreola, director of the Women in Science
and Engineering Program at the University of Illinois at Chicago and
assistant director of the Center for Research on Women and Gender at the
University of Illinois at Chicago; Cathy Pieronek, assistant dean of the
College of Engineering at the University of Notre Dame; and Susan
Brauer, dean of Academic Affairs at DeVry University.
As a long time champion of women in STEM education, DeVry University
encourages young females through its HerWorld® program to explore STEM
fields. HerWorld® is an interactive workshop given by DeVry University
to high school juniors and seniors across the country each year during
National HerWorld® Month. The workshop introduces young women to career
opportunities in science, technology, engineering and math through a
series of games, hands-on projects and live discussions with successful
women from top companies in the local community.
"DeVry University's goal is to prepare students to be competitive in
today's job market," said Piotr Lechowski, president of DeVry
University's Chicago Loop Center. "With educational and career training
in STEM fields, students will successfully transition into these
important career areas, ready to offer America's workforce nothing less
than the best."
About DeVry University:
Founded in 1931, DeVry University is one of the largest, private sector
universities in North America, with more than 90,000 students enrolled
in the United States and Canada. The university's mission is to foster
student learning through high-quality, career-oriented education
integrating technology, business, science and the arts. With more than
95 locations, DeVry University delivers practitioner-oriented
undergraduate and graduate degree programs onsite and online that meets
the needs of a diverse and geographically dispersed student population.
Home to five colleges of study, including Business & Management,
Engineering & Information Sciences, Health Sciences, Liberal Arts &
Sciences, and Media Arts & Technology, DeVry University's outstanding
faculty members work in the fields that they teach, providing students
with real-world experiences that prepare them for high-growth careers.
DeVry University is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission of the
North Central Association of Colleges and Schools, www.ncahlc.org.
DeVry University, a part of DeVry Inc. (NYSE:DV), is based in Downers
Grove, Ill. For more information about DeVry University, find us on
Twitter @DeVryUniv, Facebook/DEVRYUNIVERSITY or visit www.newsroom.devry.edu.
