From the ASEE aggregator:
The New Orleans Times-Picayune (2/14, Larino) reports that with growing worldwide energy demand creating the need “for a larger and more diverse energy industry workforce,” the number of women in key industry roles is rising. With veteran workers retiring and fewer young workers entering the field, Bureau of Labor Statistics data show that 46% of new jobs in the sector “went to women during the first quarter of 2013, the highest level in years.” Debbie Settoon, a 30-year veteran of the oil and gas industry, is currently a project engineer for Shell. Settoon said she has seen more female engineers entering the energy “industry and filling management positions.” The article notes that energy companies have donated to the Society of Women Engineers and similar groups with the goal of increasing the number of women entering STEM careers.

Perhaps Canadian governments will soon choose to again follow the Americans and return funding of higher education to levels that permit colleges and universities to meet student needs. From the ASEE aggregator:
The Wall Street Journal (1/21, Belkin, Subscription Publication) reports that spending by state governments on higher education is up about six percent in FY14 after four years of straight declines. While the gains are uneven, they are widespread, with 40 states increasing funding compared to only 10 decreasing it, according to data put together by researchers at Illinois State University. However, state government spending on higher education remains 11 percent below its level of five years ago in real-dollar terms.