Path Analysis: Identifying Factors Influencing STEM Career Perceptions and Interest After Attending a STEM Camp

• In Event: Formal and Informal Contexts for STEM Learning

Abstract

Students’ perceptions of science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) fields can affect their perceptions and interest in pursuing a career in a STEM field. For this study, researchers wanted to determined how students’ perceptions toward science, mathematics, and engineering influenced their STEM career perceptions and interests after attending a STEM summer camp. The results showed there is a statistically significant direct relationship between STEM career perceptions and engineering and science perceptions and between STEM career interests and mathematics and science perceptions. Therefore, it is believed the students’ engagement in STEM projects during the STEM summer camp allowed them to see meaningful real-world projects and research in action, which positively influenced their perceptions and likewise their interest in pursuing STEM careers.

Authors

• Katherine Nicole Vela, Utah State University

• Hyunkyung Kwon, Texas A&M University - College Station

• Macie Baucum, Texas A&M University

• Jamaal Young, Texas A&M University