UWLP Releases Research on Utah Women and STEM Education

Because of Utah’s booming tech industry, the state is among the top job markets in the nation, driven by robust growth in STEM fields. In addition, Utah women’s participation in the STEM workforce has grown from 17.1% in 2015 to 24% in 2023. However, recent data show that Utah has a long way to go in terms of women’s representation in this high wage, high growth field. In fact, Salt Lake City ranked just 35th in “STEM-friendliness” among major U.S. cities, due in part to the gender disparities in STEM careers and degrees. 

The Utah Women & Leadership Project (UWLP) at Utah State University recently published a research report, “Utah Women in STEM Education: A 2025 Update.” The research highlights pockets of progress and explores persistent gaps in Utah’s K–12 STEM pipeline, postsecondary education, and workforce participation for women and girls. 

The following information can help Utahns understand the relationship between Utah women and STEM education in 2025. 

 Growth in STEM Disciplines: STEM workers are in high demand in Utah, where job growth in these fields is significantly faster than the national average. From 2019 to 2023, STEM occupations in the state grew by 17.7%, nearly double the 8.8% national growth rate. Among the fastest-growing sectors of STEM, Artificial Intelligence (AI) is showing strong momentum, although it is still emerging locally. Utah currently ranks 26th in the nation for AI jobs, with 18 job postings per 100,000 residents in Salt Lake City and five per 100,000 in Provo. As the field grows, it reflects a broader national trend: the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics projects a 10.4% increase in STEM employment between 2023 and 2033, positioning Utah to continue as a key player in the future of tech. 

K-12 STEM Pipelines: Despite having access to the same teachers and resources, Utah girls consistently score lower in math proficiencies for 4th and 8th grades, an important metric to address because research shows that children form gender stereotypes regarding abilities in STEM fields—stereotypes that persist and may operate as a limiting factor for girls. For example, during the pandemic, math proficiency declined more for girls than boys, and while 4th grade boys have recovered, girls have not. Utah’s gender gap in math is among the largest in the nation for both 4th and 8th grades. ACT scores also show males outperforming females in math and science. Although many Utah girls have a strong STEM aptitude, their interest is much lower, highlighting the need for programs like SheTech to increase exposure and engagement. 

Post-Secondary STEM Degrees: Utah’s postsecondary STEM completions have steadily increased across both degree-granting institutions and technical colleges. From 2012 to 2022, STEM certificates and degrees awarded in Utah’s public universities rose from 3,319 to 8,647, with women’s share of completions growing slightly from about 21% to 23%. Although men still earn over three-fourths of STEM credentials, women’s participation has risen in nearly every STEM field. Notably, women’s share of associate degrees and higher-level credentials has increased, while their share of certificates below the associate level has declined, indicating movement toward more advanced qualifications. 

“The gender gap in STEM education persists,” said Susan Madsen, founder of the UWLP and co-author of the report. “Researchers continue to find that throughout childhood, youth, and young adulthood, there is a persistent message and misconception that girls and women do not fit in the masculine STEM environment. Yet, the number of STEM-related jobs—inside and outside Utah—will continue to grow. As such, we invite all Utahns to consider ways to help increase confidence, participation, and opportunities for women and girls in STEM. This will result in positive outcomes for the state’s economy, businesses, and, most importantly, Utah women, girls, and their families.”  

Additional report authors are Kolene Anderson, UWLP associate director, and Robyn Blackburn, UWLP Research Fellow.   

The “A Bolder Way Forward” initiative provides opportunities for Utahns to learn and contribute to meaningful change across 18 areas. For more information, visit the UWLP website at utwomen.org. The UWLP is also affiliated with USU Extension.