WASHINGTON — The National Association of Manufacturers’ Manufacturing Institute is now accepting nominations for the 2019 STEP Ahead Awards to honor outstanding women in science, technology, engineering and production (STEP) careers.

The STEP program is a key component of the Institute’s drive to address the workforce shortage crisis facing U.S. manufacturing, which is in part driven by the underrepresentation of women in the industry. Upward of 2 million manufacturing jobs are expected to go unfilled by 2025, and yet, women only account for 29% of the manufacturing workforce. The STEP Ahead Awards honor women who have demonstrated excellence and leadership in STEP careers and recognize women at all levels of manufacturing.