This article was originally published on ComeRecommended.com.

STEM refers to careers in science, technology, engineering, and math. Careers in these industries make up 30 percent of the job openings in major cities, but only 11 percent of people holds a degree in STEM.

Not only are there too few candidates to fill STEM positions, but also there is a large gender gap in these industries. Women are very underrepresented in the STEM workforce. Women make up less than 50 percent of the workforce in the United States and represent less than 25 percent of STEM workers.

While two out of three young women rate their careers as high priorities in their lives, there has been a 20 percent decrease in the amount of women who earn college degrees in STEM fields like computer science.

Despite the decreasing wage gap between genders, women are still choosing careers outside of science, technology, engineering, and math fields.

In response to the lack of women, there are several initiatives aimed at directing more women into STEM careers. These include technology camps and mentorship programs for young women. Additionally, engineers are creating toys meant to spark young girls’ interests in science.

This infographic from TechSchool.com provides background on women in STEM today:

How would you encourage women to enter STEM careers?