A Summer Enrichment Program to Prepare Students for STEM Majors in College

Content Provider	Semantic Scholar
Author	Bachnak, Rafic Eskin, Susan Kathryn Wirick, Dave
Copyright Year	2018
Abstract	The shortage of STEM graduates in the United States has been the focus of numerous recent reports. Data compiled by the American College Testing in 2008 shows that the overall four-year engineering graduation rate was 22% in public schools and 45% in private schools. While there are many causes that result in low graduation rates, it is more likely that rates could be improved if students are well-prepared for college and have clear future career goals. This paper presents the results of a new two-week summer enrichment program that focuses on improving student preparedness for college, while promoting active learning through hands-on experiences and activities. Students were introduced to various engineering disciplines through hands-on activities that included topics in chemistry, biology, physics, mathematics, computer science, electrical engineering, civil engineering, and mechanical engineering. The program also included two field trips where students toured a science laboratory and a manufacturing plant that employ scientists and engineers from different disciplines. Introduction In 2014, nearly 45% of incoming freshman undergraduates entered college planning to major in science and engineering fields according to the 2016 NSF’s National Science Board Report on Science and Engineering Indictors. This incoming large flux of students is essential to reduce the shortage of STEM graduates in the United States. Studies have shown that students who participate in STEM programs before college increase their chances to succeed. These programs provide them with important knowledge and skills and help them gain a better understanding of science and engineering careers. This paper describes a two-week STEM Summer Enrichment Program (STEM-SEP) designed for high school students. STEM-SEP’s goal is to improve the recruitment and preparation of students, particularly those from underrepresented groups, through participation in a two-week summer enrichment workshop that increases students’ knowledge in a variety of STEM areas. Students who had just completed either the 10 or 11 grade were recruited by email and telephone calls to guidance counselors, STEM teachers, and principals. The program website and social media were also used as recruitment tools. The students admitted met selection criteria based on high school transcripts and an essay about their reasons for wanting to attend. 29 students were accepted into the program (19 male, 10 female). One male student who completed only one week of STEM-SEP decided to quit the program to start a summer job. His parents supported his decision. Of the 28 who completed the program, 15 were of a minority (Asian, African American, etc.) The participants were from 12 area high schools and one home-schooled student.
File Format	PDF HTM / HTML
Alternate Webpage(s)	http://www.indiana.edu/~ciec/Proceedings_2018/ETD/ETD%20435/ETD435_EskinBachnakWirick.pdf
Language	English
Access Restriction	Open
Content Type	Text
Resource Type	Article