Gender and Early Career Choice in STEM

• In Event: 29.079 - Experiences and Career Choices of Females in STEM-Related Fields: Supports and Barriers

Abstract

Science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) education and career development of females has become a critical focus in the United States due to research, economic concerns, and public policy. This study’s primary focus is on gender differences and STEM-related career aspirations among youth ranging from elementary through high school. The study is analyzed using variables from the Project FOCIS Survey dataset through a subset of female and male elementary, middle, and high school students (n=7,125). Three multiple regression analyses are performed to uncover gender differentiation when it comes to STEM-related career interests based on grade level. Research from this paper will unpack STEM-related career interests that occur as early as elementary school with significant differences and associations based on gender.

Authors

• Katherine P. Dabney, Virginia Commonwealth University

• Robert H. Tai, University of Virginia

• Adam V. Maltese, Indiana University

• John Taylor Almarode, James Madison University