Education and Achievement

This chapter examines females&s; educational goals, attainments, and college experiences. It explores young women&s;s career aspirations, issues related to career counseling, and women&s;s plans regarding coordination of their careers with family life. There are few differences in the career aspirations of women with and without disabilities and among women of different ethnicities. Women are more likely to seek and earn degrees in academic disciplines that focus on helping people, such as education, psychology, and health sciences. Many lesbians and bisexual women become aware of their sexual identity during late adolescence or adulthood, at the same time that they are selecting a career. Sexual minority women might put career selection on hold as they explore their sexuality and intimate relationships. Parental support and availability influence career aspirations and achievements in Black, Native American, and Latina women.