SUPPORTING YOUNG WOMEN TO ENTER ENGINEERING: LONG-TERM EFFECTS OF A MIDDLE SCHOOL ENGINEERING OUTREACH PROGRAM FOR GIRLS

摘要

This study evaluated the long-term effects of Camp Reach, a 2-week residential summer camp for rising seventh-grade girls that emphasizes the social context of engineering design and includes follow-up activities through high school. Program participants are chosen from the applicant pool by random lottery, creating a control group with similar attributes as the study group. Applicants (N = 176) from 5 years of the program were interviewed by phone near the point of college entry. Outcomes of interest included science, technology, engineering, and math (STEM)-related course taking and activities in high school, STEM-related self-efficacies, knowledge of engineering, and choice of college major. Although many trends are in the expected direction, with stronger long-term outcomes for Camp Reach participants, the differences do not reach the point of statistical significance. Continued exposure to STEM-related programming and role models, through such means as Camp Reach follow-up activities and other Worcester Polytechnic Institute (WPI) programs for high school students, are associated with stronger long-term outcomes. At the same time, qualitative results emphasize the empowering nature of the program and suggest that it was an important influence for many who chose STEM majors as they entered college.