A powerful, new Verizon and Makers ad, narrated by Girls Who Code founder, Reshma Saujani, subtly suggests that the feedback that young girls hear from their parents, teachers or other authority figures, may influence their pursuit of a STEM-based education or career.  The persistence of these stereotypical statements may result in significantly more boys interested in STEM careers than girls by the eighth grade.

In order to close the gap, the National Science Foundation indicates that parental support can increase a girl’s interest in STEM subjects.  Increased images of women in STEM professions provide girls with a greater sense of the opportunities that exist in college and beyond.

Source: http://www.nsf.gov/news/news_summ.jsp?cntn_id=109939