Short- and Long-Term Effects of Participation in Undergraduate Science Enrichment Experiences on Science Career Pursuits

• In Event: Motivational Trajectories Across Adolescence: Studies of Change and Development During High School and College

Abstract

Undergraduate science enrichment experiences (e.g., independent research, internships) are thought to promote persistence on the science career trajectory, but relatively little research has evaluated how effective they are, or why. We adopted a motivational lens to consider how enrichment experiences can support students’ developing individual interest in science, thereby promoting short- and long-term science career pursuits. Data from annual surveys revealed that even after controlling for first-year science attitudes and grades, enrichment participation was associated with science course-taking in the short-term and science career intentions four years later. Furthermore, among women, participation was associated with increased science career exploration during their junior year. Results suggest that shorter-term benefits of enrichment experiences can support long-term science career persistence.

Authors

• Stacy J. Priniski, Michigan State University

• Alexandra Lee, Michigan State University

• Harmony Murray, Michigan State University

• Kristy A. Robinson, McGill University

• You-kyung Lee, Sookmyung Women's University

• Tony Perez, Old Dominion University

• Lisa Linnenbrink-Garcia, Michigan State University