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Texas STEM Program Finds Improved S&E Attitudes, Perceptions

November 22, 2004

Many minority population groups are historically underrepresented in science, technology, engineering, and math (STEM) fields. This is particularly true of the country's Latino population, one of the fastest growing segments of the U.S workforce. As a result, several state and regional tech-based economic development programs are looking for ways to broaden participation in STEM fields. A recent evaluation of a Texas program finds encouraging results, perhaps suggesting a model for others to replicate.

Students who attend the Hispanic Engineering Science and Technology Week (HESTEC) have a greater interest in pursuing science and engineering careers, a better perception of the engineering field, and more positive attitudes about graduating high school and enrolling in college than those who do not attend, according to a study from the Center for Border Economic Studies (CBEST) at the University of Texas-Pan American.

To better understand the factors that shape students’ attitudes in science and engineering and to determine the impact of HESTEC, a three-part survey was conducted both before and after the event. CBEST researcher Suad Ghaddar collected responses from 322 students in a series of closed and open-ended questions. Respondents also reported their gender, grade level, enrollment in advanced placement (AP) courses, and parents’ education level.

Survey results reveal that students enrolled in AP courses had more favorable attitudes toward science and engineering, and those students who attended HESTEC in 2002 had more leisure and career interests in science than those who did not attend.

Three issues consistently are reported as major factors behind the under representation of minorities in this field, the study shows. Based on research investigating minority participation, the issues include:

  • Gender is a significant determinant of student engineering attitudes. Males demonstrate a higher level of interest in pursing a career in engineering and a higher level of confidence in their possession of the traits and skills necessary to succeed in a career.
  • Factors affecting minority participation in science and engineering point to a lack or loss of role models and mentors, awareness of careers and opportunities in the field, interest or motivation, and cultural and societal support for science as causes discouraging minorities from participation.
  • Higher high school drop out rates are among the main causes for underrepresentation of Hispanics in science and engineering. According to the National Center for Education Statistics, a lower percentage of Hispanics completed high school compared to whites and blacks between 1972-2000.

The week-long event, now in its third year, is open to middle and high school students. More information about HESTEC is available at http://www.hestec.org.

Texas