Need statistics on engineering degrees awarded in the United States? The National Science Foundation has published their studies online, which include statistics on how many women received degrees and also numbers for race/ethnicity. The study Loss of Confidence as a Cause of Field Switching Among Undergraduate Women in Science, Mathematics, and Engineering Majors hit pretty close to home: “A recent study shows that many young women bring to their experience of science, mathematics, and engineering (SME) disciplines a pattern of socialization that is entirely different from that of young men.” More women base their self-worth on the judgements of others. They seek approval and depend on teachers for reassurance. Without the external reinforcement, women in the sciences are more likely to feel that they are not performing adequately. I hope the next generation of girls makes progress in the area of self-confidence.