Building Inroads to the Bioscience Industry Through Internships With Students Underrepresented in the STEM Workforce

• In Event: AERA Virtual Poster Session
  In Virtual Poster Session: Division C - Learning and Instruction Virtual Poster Session

Abstract

STEM careers comprise a broad and growing branch of the U.S. economy, yet there is a persistent need to diversify of the STEM workforce. Women and people of color remain disproportionately underrepresented in science and engineering fields. This case study of a comprehensive career technical education/bioscience workforce development program examines the role and impact of industry internships to motivate culturally and socio-economically diverse high school students to become aware of, interested in, and prepared for careers in the STEM workforce. Drawing on the perspectives of students, industry mentors, and bioscience educators, research findings indicate that internships enhance young people’s engagement in STEM by exposing youth to workplace environments, building connections to professionals and organizations, and presenting real-world professional development experiences.

Authors

• Alex M. Gurn, Rockman et al Cooperative
  Presenting Author

• Kristin M. Bass, Rockman et al
  Non-Presenting Author

• Lynda E. Gayden, Biotech Partners
  Non-Presenting Author

• Alison Allen, Rockman et al
  Non-Presenting Author

• Nicole Jarvis, Rockman et al
  Non-Presenting Author