In this path-breaking book, Sandra Hanson asks what compels so many talented young women to leave the professions of science and mathematics. When do they leave and why? Why do equally qualified girls and boys have such different experiences with science education? What are the patterns for women who stay in school and pursue a scientific career? What difference does family background make? Exactly how significant are differences of race and class? In Lost Talent, Hanson examines several unusually large and subtle, nationally representative, longitudinal data sets. The data includes information on a multitude of distinctions by race, class background, school experiences, and school resources, to name a few. Hanson examines this information with a particular focus on the differences in achievement within and across the disciplines, varying access to physical resources and differential activities in both math and science for young women in the education process. The challenge faced by the U.S. in the next two decades is developing a balanced, qualified, and well-trained workforce for jobs in science and other technical fields. For Hanson this includes equity for women, which begins with creating conditions so that young girls who start out doing well in science do not end up with little training and knowledge. The recovery of this "lost talent" is the central concern of this book.