How Can Outreach Foster Further Interest in Stem and Eventually Lead to Careers in STEM?

Abstract

Numerous universities, colleges, and STEM-focused organizations co-create outreach activities with secondary education institutions by connecting the work-context with school-science, with the aim to inspire students and motivate them to consider a career in STEM. Although many such activities are being offered, little is known about their actual influence and outcomes. In this article, I approach the experts from STEM outreach field, with backgrounds ranging from not-for-profit science centers, through industry, research institutes, and universities, will address their approach to measuring what impact their STEM outreach programs had on program participants. At the same time, they will address what role equity, diversity and inclusion plays in their programs, how they achieve diversity of participants and in what ways it influences quality of experience for the program participants. Through this article I am bringing together the thoughts of scientists, industry experts, and programs leaders on how outreach can motivate students to pursue careers in science.