An Exploration of Girls’ Socialization Patterns in a High School: University Science Partnership Program

• In Event: Poster Session 13
  In Poster Session: Investigations of Science Learning

Abstract

Women and minorities remain underrepresented in the U.S. science workforce. Socialization patterns occurring at the initial stages of the science career trajectory were explored in this study. Thirty minority high school girls’ considering science careers and participants of a high school–university science partnership program were the study sample. Other groups actively involved in the program, included alumnae, parents/guardians, university science students, and science professionals. Qualitative assessments collected data on the high school girls’ nature of experiences with each group. Emergent categories identified were learning, relationship-building, and personal development experiences. The significance of this study is its potential to measure socialization pattern shifts along the science career trajectory, ultimately, influencing an increase in the diversity of U.S. science workforce.

Authors

• Megan E. Faurot, Illinois Institute of Technology

• Stephen A. Bartos, Illinois Institute of Technology

• Norman G. Lederman, Illinois Institute of Technology

• Teresa K. Woodruff, Northwestern University

• Cathryn L. Smeyers, Northwestern University

• Nadia L. Reynolds, Northwestern