Bill Text: CA ACR206 | 2017-2018 | Regular Session | Chaptered
Bill Title: California Diversity in STEM and Tech Week.
Spectrum: Slight Partisan Bill (Democrat 49-20-1)
Status: (Passed) 2018-05-01 - Chaptered by Secretary of State - Res. Chapter 53, Statutes of 2018. [ACR206 Detail]
Download: California-2017-ACR206-Chaptered.html
| Assembly Concurrent Resolution No. 206 |
| CHAPTER 53 |
Relative to California Diversity in STEM and Tech Week.
[
Filed with
Secretary of State
May 01, 2018.
]
LEGISLATIVE COUNSEL'S DIGEST
ACR 206, Holden.
California Diversity in STEM and Tech Week.
This measure would designate April 1, 2018, to April 7, 2018, inclusive, as California Diversity in STEM and Tech Week and would encourage all citizens and community organizations to support the observance of California Diversity in STEM and Tech Week by encouraging and celebrating diversity in the STEM fields and in California’s technology and innovation economy.
Digest Key
Fiscal Committee: NOBill Text
WHEREAS, Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM) are critical fields for the success of California’s technology and innovation economy; and
WHEREAS, Many of the fastest growing occupations in the United States require some form of expertise in the areas of STEM; and
WHEREAS, STEM careers represent some of the highest-paying positions in any field, thereby providing desirable career opportunities and real pathways out of poverty; and
WHEREAS, Preparing students for the STEM workforce is essential to fulfill the demands of our 21st century, innovation-focused economy; and
WHEREAS, A significant diversity gap exists in participation in STEM disciplines and the technology workforce; and
WHEREAS, While women make up nearly 50 percent of the working population, they represent only about 28 percent of the STEM workforce; and
WHEREAS, While African Americans constitute 17 percent of the United States population, they represent only 5 percent of the STEM workforce; and
WHEREAS, While Latinos make up 17 percent of the United States population, they represent only 6 percent of the STEM workforce; and
WHEREAS, Only 2.5 percent of the total workforce identifies as lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, or queer (LGBTQ), with an estimated 20 percent fewer LGBTQ workers in government STEM-related jobs than should be expected; and
WHEREAS, While women and underrepresented communities constitute about 70 percent of college students, they earn only 45 percent of STEM degrees; and
WHEREAS, Out of the total bachelors degrees earned in STEM fields, only 45 percent are earned by women, and only 36 percent are earned by underrepresented minorities; and
WHEREAS, In California, the diversity disparities in STEM education are similar, if not more pronounced, as only 16 percent of computer science graduates in California are women; and
WHEREAS, Despite underrepresentation in the STEM fields, there are many individuals from these minority backgrounds in California who serve as role models for youth preparing for STEM careers; now, therefore, be it
Resolved by the Assembly of the State of California, the Senate thereof concurring, That the Legislature encourages all citizens, community organizations, and the technology industry to support the observance of California Diversity in STEM and Tech Week by encouraging and celebrating diversity in the STEM fields and in California’s technology and innovation economy; and be it further
Resolved, That the Legislature declares the week of April 1, 2018, to April 7, 2018, inclusive, as California Diversity in STEM and Tech Week; and be it further
Resolved, That the Chief Clerk of the Assembly transmit copies of this resolution to the author for appropriate distribution.
