Women in Stem Research: Better Data and Information Sharing Could Improve Oversight of Federal Grant-Making and Title 9 Compliance
Abstract
In fiscal year 2014, U.S. universities received nearly $25 billion in federal grant funding for STEM research. Studies show women are largely underrepresented in STEM fields. Federal agencies are required to enforce Title IX - a law prohibiting discrimination on the basis of sex in education programs receiving any federal financial assistance - including at universities they fund. GAO was asked to provide information on federal grant-making to women in STEM. This report examines: (1) the extent to which differences exist in federal grant awards between women and men in STEM fields, (2) the extent to which federal agencies enforce Title IX at universities they fund for STEM research, and (3) possible actions federal agencies could take to address the representation of women in STEM research. GAO analyzed data on all STEM research grants made in fiscal years 2009 through 2013 - the most recent data available - by the six federal agencies that provided 90 percent of STEM research funding in fiscal year 2012 through 2014; reviewed literature, federal laws and regulations, and agency documents; interviewed federal officials; and consulted 19 STEM diversity experts.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Dec 01, 2015
- Accession Number
- AD1176943
Entities
People
- David Watsula
- Deborah Bland
- Erin Godtland
- James M Bennett
- Jessica Rider
- Kate Blumenreich
- Lindsay Read
- Margaret Best
- Melissa Emrey-arras
- Nora Boretti
Organizations
- United States Government Accountability Office