A recent University of Missouri (MU) study found that “career day” events focused on science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) are effective in encouraging students to pursue these fields after high school. It has the potential to play a major role.
The university’s 2023 study, conducted in collaboration with researchers from Harvard University and Smithsonian University, found that STEM career events hosted by colleges and universities increased high school students’ awareness of career opportunities in post-secondary and related fields. It turns out that this can help build a STEM talent pipeline. . The study says such “STEM Career Day” events could also play a role in diversifying STEM career fields, where women and non-white workers are often underrepresented.
The study analyzed a national survey conducted by Harvard University. The survey asked approximately 16,000 college students whether they had attended a STEM career event hosted by a higher education institution during their high school years. She found that students who participated were 30% more likely to say they were interested in a STEM career than students who did not participate. The study also found that such career events were equally effective in promoting interest in STEM, regardless of background characteristics or level of academic preparation.
“We have found that this type of intervention is effective in converting potential interest in STEM into career aspirations in STEM, and we believe that this type of intervention can be more effective and accessible to develop a more diverse STEM workforce.” We can work to design these interventions in a way that is easy to understand,” said Michael Williams, a research analyst and assistant professor in the MU College of Education and Human Development, in an official statement. “If you want someone to be good at something, you want them to develop a sense of efficacy. It’s about putting them in a position where they can see other people doing the same thing as well. ”
The study comes as schools, universities and workforce development initiatives across the United States seek to encourage early interest in STEM careers. For example, the Brooklyn STEAM Center in New York offers high school specialized courses for students to earn industry certifications in areas such as: Full stack development and cybersecurity. The other is the National Science Foundation’s Innovative Technology Experiences for Students and Teachers (ITEST) program. The program introduces students to emerging technology careers through summer camps, workshops, and school-based programs.
Williams said MU has introduced STEM to K-12 students in recent years, including STEM Cubs, a free program for K-8 students who have been historically underrepresented in STEM education and career opportunities. They have also launched their own community support activities to introduce the topic.
“This program helps build an interest in science and science-based careers by allowing you to learn scientific concepts and how they relate to everyday life,” he said. said in an official statement.
While pursuing a master’s degree in computer information technology, Williams said he was often the only black student in courses such as computer engineering, and international students seemed to be disproportionately represented, according to a news release. . In addition to meeting the growing demand for qualified professionals in information technology, smart manufacturing, data science, artificial intelligence and other STEM specialties, Williams said STEM Career Day will help the United States compete on a global scale. He said it could be the key to increasing his power.
“The United States lags many global competitors in developing STEM talent, particularly in areas such as advanced technology and quantitative methodologies,” Williams said in a statement. “The National Science Foundation has championed expanding participation in STEM fields and increasing the diversity of people traditionally excluded from STEM-related opportunities. I am passionate about reaching people and seeing what interventions can help them turn their interests into career aspirations.”