Middle School Students’ Occupational Values: Background Factors and Interests

• In Event: Poster Session 2
  In Poster Session: Division E Section 1 Poster Session

Abstract

Middle school is a critical juncture during which many students begin to seriously consider career options. Evidence suggests that an emphasis in Science, Technology, Engineering, and Math (STEM) curriculum with middle school students can have a profound impact on students’ motivation and interest to pursue careers in STEM related fields later in life (Brown & Lent, 2005; Fouad & Enochs, 1997).With the abovementioned considerations in mind, this current study will: 1) examine the extent to which middle school students’ occupational values differ across gender, racial and ethnic, and geographic, and socioeconomic dimensions, and 2) explore whether particular values relate to specific occupational interests.

Authors

• Kimberly A.S. Howard, Boston University

• Jacob W. Diestelmann, University of Wisconsin - Madison

• Tsu-Lun Huang, University of Wisconsin - Madison

• Amy E. Wendt, University of Wisconsin - Madison

• Susan C. Hagness, University of Wisconsin - Madison

• Steven M. Cramer, University of Wisconsin - Madison