There are many reasons why women and minorities are underrepresented in engineering, including:

• Stereotypes
• Lack of awareness
• Lack of math and science preparation in high school
• Presence of inaccurate information
• Lack of integration into K-12 education
• Lack of role models
• Media influence
• Peer pressure
• Rigid and narrow college curriculum
• Poor college-level instruction
• "Chilly" academic climate
• Competing interests: law, medicine, business

These issues have been a focus of research studies and program implementation for 30 years and much progress has been made. However, there is still a great deal of work to be done. To address some of the challenges to increase women and minorities in engineering, many colleges and universities encourage students to join campus-based affinity groups to provide opportunities to socialize, network, and study with students who share similar experiences and backgrounds. Women in Engineering/Science Programs, and Minority in Engineering Programs offer an array of programs including professional development opportunities, tutoring, specialized housing, opportunities to work with pre-college students, work study positions, and more. Professional organizations such as the Society of Women Engineers (SWE); the National Society of Black Engineers (NSBE); the Society of Hispanic Professional Engineers; and the American Indian Science and Engineering Society (AISES) have student chapters on many campuses. Be sure to check out what is available at your institution and get involved. Most students find their participation in these groups very beneficial personally and professionally.