A study of Junior Science and Humanities Symposia winners and an analysis of how this competition may have affected their future endeavors.

摘要

The purpose of this study was to determine effects of participation in the Junior Science and Humanities Symposium (JSHS) on winners and runner-ups toward their future endeavors in terms of choosing college majors and careers. At the annual state-wide symposia, one winner and four runner-ups are selected. These students attend the National Symposia, with the winner presenting at the National representing Wayne State University. Runner-ups attend in a supportive role. The top finalist from the National Symposium is invited to participate in the London International Youth Sciences Forum that attracts more than 400 students from more than 60 countries. The primary objective of the program is to encourage high school students to challenge themselves through experimental research.;An original survey was completed by 34 former participants. Five research questions were addressed in this study. Findings indicated that participation in the JSHS was influential in choosing their careers in math, science, engineering, and humanities. Significant results were found for influencing their interests in math, science, engineering, and humanities for students who participated in the 1988 and 1993 symposiums. A significant difference was found for influence of participation in the JSHS on college major for students who participated in 1988 and 1993 symposiums.;The students who take the time and make the effort to participate in the JSHS have a vested interest in science, math, humanities, and engineering prior to their participation. The Symposium may help them focus their interest and have some influence on college majors, its is most helpful in allowing them to understand career possibilities in these fields.