ERIC Number: EJ1457530
Record Type: Journal
Publication Date: 2024
Pages: 11
Abstractor: As Provided
ISBN: N/A
ISSN: ISSN-1526-2367
EISSN: EISSN-1557-5284
Exploring the Influence of Industry STEM Outreach on Career Perceptions toward Manufacturing
Greg J. Strimel; Sydney Seban; Jackson Otto; Liesl Krause-Klein
Journal of STEM Education: Innovations and Research, v25 n3 p44-54 2024
Manufacturers have expressed concerns about talent shortages, citing the perceptions held by students/parents of the industry as a major contributing factor. At the same time, policymakers/educational leaders continue to call for STEM education programming to maintain competitiveness in such industries. Accordingly, manufacturers have launched STEM outreach initiatives focused on career awareness/interests. However, limited studies have examined how these initiatives influence career perceptions in relation to career development theories. Therefore, this research explored the influence of industry-led STEM outreach on children's manufacturing career perceptions. The results support the idea of children having a limited understanding of manufacturing, likely stemming from associative learning experiences, as well as there being a potential disconnect between industry needs and educational activities. However, the data indicate that the outreach likely led the participants to an improved understanding/perception of manufacturing. But it is unclear if the influence can drive career goals or provide accurate career outcome expectations.
Descriptors: Industry, STEM Careers, Outreach Programs, Manufacturing, Career Choice, Program Effectiveness, Influences, Student Attitudes, Elementary School Students, Middle School Students, High School Students
Institute for STEM Education and Research. P.O. Box 4001, Auburn, AL 36831. Tel: 334-844-3360; Web site: https://www.jstem.org
Publication Type: Journal Articles; Reports - Research
Education Level: Elementary Education; Junior High Schools; Middle Schools; Secondary Education; High Schools
Audience: N/A
Language: English
Sponsor: N/A
Authoring Institution: N/A
Grant or Contract Numbers: N/A