Designing Student-Industry Partners in Secondary STEM Education: A Comparative Case Study

• In Event: Exploring Workplace Learning: Session 1

Abstract

The involvement of STEM industry professionals in high school students' curriculum development and implementation creates authentic and engaging learning experiences. Such experiences can alter a student’s postsecondary trajectory but require strong school-industry partnerships. Such partnerships, however, are difficult to create and sustain. This exploratory case study applies a systems approach to investigate three high schools that have well-developed, impactful industry partnerships. The data primarily come from interviews with school district staff and industry professionals. The cases reveal system designs that address common misconceptions hindering school-industry partnerships in a variety of geographic settings. These findings can inform other communities to create their own school-STEM industry partnerships.

Author

• Anthony M. Perry, University of North Dakota