AFTERSCHOOL STEM EDUCATION AND STUDENT INTEREST AND CONFIDENCE IN STEM

Abstract

Increasing student interest and performance in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics, or STEM, is a task which has posed many challenges in education. Barriers in STEM education are both structural and cultural. Stigma and negative cultural beliefs about STEM may subdue student interest and impact performance while lack of funds and materials limit the ways instructors can present lessons and teach students. Non-traditional instructional settings like after-school programs and camps may offer alternative opportunities to inspire interest in STEM and related careers. In this study, participants in two out of school programs were surveyed after completing a STEM related activity. Responses about interest in STEM subjects, careers, and beliefs about capabilities in these subjects were analyzed for both groups.