A recent report by the nonprofit Ruling Our eXperiences reveals a troubling decline in the confidence of teenage girls regarding their ability to achieve their dream jobs. This year, 58 percent of high school girls expressed doubts about their intelligence in relation to their career aspirations, a notable increase from 46 percent in 2017.
The issue is even more pronounced among younger students; 52 percent of fifth and sixth graders lack confidence in their capabilities, nearly doubling the 23 percent who felt this way six years ago. This decline in self-belief is particularly evident in the STEM (science, technology, engineering, and mathematics) fields, where girls show more interest yet increasingly question their abilities.
While 55 percent of girls expressed an interest in STEM careers—up from 45 percent in 2017—their confidence in STEM skills has dropped from 73 percent to just 59 percent. “Our girls are poised for great opportunities in STEM, yet they face declining confidence and persistent stereotypes,” said Lisa Hinkelman, Founder and CEO of ROX. “It’s imperative that as educators, professionals, and community members, we work to close this gap and support girls aiming for success in these fields.”
The findings are based on data from 17,500 girls in grades 5-12 across the U.S., highlighting the ongoing gender gap in STEM, where women comprise only 34 percent of the workforce.
Additionally, the report indicates that many girls are drawn to other career paths, with about 86 percent aspiring for professions that help others. This suggests a disconnect between their interests and how they perceive STEM careers as fulfilling that goal.
Currently, STEM jobs represent about a quarter of the U.S. workforce, with expectations of an 11 percent growth by 2031. To foster interest and confidence in STEM from an early age, experts emphasize the role of family. “Parents should challenge gender stereotypes and introduce their daughters to women in STEM roles,” advised Harnett, suggesting exposure to female professionals, whether in family circles or broader communities, as a key strategy.