Carnegie Corporation was among the first foundations to pursue strategies to open the doors of colleges and universities to women. In 1959, when its officers decided to focus on the Better Use of Human Resources, they considered a key element of this concern the better use of woman power. Over the next several years, it tried myriad methods. Its programs encouraged older women to return to school and younger women to approach their education more thoughtfully. Carnegie Corporation also recognized the problematic dearth of women in the higher ranks of administration and faculty, and supported programs designed to increase their numbers. In the mid-1950's the midst of the baby boom Carnegie Corporation was also pondering the field of education more generally. Among the foundation's more innovative approaches was a project known as the Minnesota Plan which focused on assisting young women in planning for the multiple role lives they would probably lead; harnessing the University of Minnesota's facilities to help women maintain intellectual and technical capacities while they raised children; and enabling the older intelligent woman to contribute to society.
Citation: Deutsch, Abigail. Women in Higher Education. Rep. New York: Carnegie Corporation of New York, 2011. Print.
Program: Education
