Bridging the Opportunity Gap: Underrepresented and Underserved in STEM

• In Event: 69.057 - Roundtable Session 32
  In Roundtable Session: 69.057-18 - Informal Learning Environments as Opportunities for Broadening Participation in STEM

Abstract

The importance of STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics) in society has been a topic of national debate for more than 50 years. A purposeful sample of underserved and underrepresented high school students, who attended a summer science program as rising 6th through 8th graders, were administered a survey to examine the influence of participation. Results indicated that camp participation had an influence on the selection of high school coursework, finding out about STEM careers, influencing thoughts about going to college, and pursuing a STEM related degree. In addition, the science camp provided exposure to successful role models, feeling a sense of belonging, experiencing college life, and having opportunities to experience success working with STEM related activities.

Authors

• Michelle L. Peters, University of Houston - Clear Lake

• Antonio Corrales, University of Houston - Clear Lake