The STEM workforce consists of 24 percent women and 76 percent men as of 2014, and although males do not significantly differ in skills from females, they are three times more likely to be interested in the STEM field, said Nicole Conant, assistant director of the center for school partnerships and teacher certification at SUNY Potsdam.

Lt. Gov. Kathleen Hochul said that a strategy has to be set in place to increase diversity in the fields as it benefits both business and the state at the forum at Paul Smith’s College Tuesday.

Hochul said.

Hochul said she is troubled over the lack of women in the STEM workforce and she looks to the public to assist in solutions for attracting women to the fields.

Jorie Favreau

she said.

Conference speakers agreed that early outreach during schooling is key to attract women into the STEM workforce.

Paul Smith’s President Cathy Dove said.

Kathleen Kavanagh, mathematics professor at Clarkson University, said that the most successful way to interest students is to have college students talk with the kids about their careers.

she said.

Kathleen Kavanagh

Michale Glennon, science director of the Wildlife Conservation Society’s Adirondack, added that training in communication is important for students in the scientific field as communication becomes increasingly prevalent to be impactful in society.

Conant said there has been improvements reaching out to young women in schools but it is not enough.

she said.

Conference speakers also agreed that encouraging young people to join the STEM fields is necessary to build the pipeline.

said Jorie Favreau from the department of natural science at Paul Smith’s College.

Patti Hammond

A mentor can also play an important role in assisting women in advancing their knowledge in the field and their careers.

Dove said.

Mentors can include parents, teachers, colleagues and employers and women in the field should serve as resource to young women, speakers said.

Hochul said.

Conant said different local industries and organizations should work to mentor young women for the benefit of the community.

Michale Glennon

she said.