High School Student STEM Internships Fuel the Pipeline...

Research indicates that two factors determine the number of K-12 students entering post-secondary STEM programs:

 

• Academic preparation in advanced math and science
• Student awareness, interest and motivation about STEM majors and related careers

There has been little effort to increase student knowledge about STEM careers. As a result, most students have no interest or motivation for majoring in postsecondary STEM fields of study.

Student internships within corporations, universities, and other organizations, are highly effective in providing awareness, interest, and motivation about STEM-related careers.

 

• Internships connect students to mentors, role models, and professional networks that support and encourage students to pursue STEM fields of study and careers
• Internships dispel the negative myths and stereotypes about STEM professionals and careers

• Internships give students rare, hands-on experience with “real world” applications of STEM, and connect classroom learning to potential career paths

• Internships motivate young women and under-represented minorities to explore opportunities to help both their own community and larger society through innovation and research in STEM fields
• Internships increase student awareness of the benefits of STEM careers

• Internships help students to value the rigorous course work and advanced knowledge that is required as preparation for becoming a path-breaking, innovative STEM professional