Understanding the STEM Career Intent of Ninth Graders

• In Event: Academic and Career Pathways in STEM

Abstract

Drawing on Social Cognitive Career Theory, this study conducted logistic regression analyses to examine the extent to which demographic and contextual variables predicted 9th graders intent to pursue a STEM career. Analyses of a nationally representative sample of 9th graders indicated female, American Indian, Black, and Hawaiian/Pacific Islander (White as referent) are moderately or considerably less likely than their White male peers to intend to pursue a STEM career. In contrast, students who are multiracial, see themselves as a science person, and have positive social outcome expectations are moderately or considerably more likely to indicate intention to pursue a STEM career than their peers who do not possess these traits.

Authors

• Iris Wagstaff, North Carolina State University

• Tamara V. Young, North Carolina State University