Engineering STEM Identity

About the Program

Category: Children and Youth (Best in Category)

Year: 2016

Students that are exposed to role models in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) professions are more likely to pursue those professions themselves. Unfortunately, many students residing in rural or “underserved” areas of Maricopa County do not have access to such role models. This leads to an underrepresented population in these high-tech, high-paying fields. Engineering STEM Identity (ESI) aims to increase the number of students that take higher lever STEM courses and pursue STEM careers. Approximately 2,300 rural and underserved middle school students are served by the current program. ESI program activities are driven by the following goals: By 2016, increase 2,300 students’ achievement and engagement by redesigning course content to develop student STEM identity. By 2016, increase 32 teachers’ effectiveness and confidence in implementing redesigned course content and instructional practices. The ESI program utilizes interactive video technology to provide professional development support to teachers and ensure that rural students have the same exposure to STEM role-models and the same STEM learning experience as their urban counterparts. In the first year of implementation, ESI students had a gain of 6% in science test scores, 4% in math, and a 10% increase in interest in engineering as a career.