Development of a STEM summer program for underrepresented high school students - A success story

Abstract

Research shows that fewer students, and particularly minority and low-income students, enter and persist in STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Math) programs in the United States than in other programs. This is often attributed to a lack of knowledge and exposure to opportunities in STEM. Southwest Florida is one such area where minority and low-income students especially lack an awareness of STEM as a viable career option. To address this concern, Florida Gulf Coast University (FGCU) in partnership with the Collier County National Association for the Advancement of Colored People (NAACP) hosted a two-week on-campus STEM camp during summer 2014. The program objectives were to increase the students' awareness of STEM fields by exposing them to real-world math and its application in related career fields. The camp also introduced students to practicing professionals in local STEM industries, creating potential internship opportunities for program participants. Through these experiences, the summer STEM camp sought to improve students' skills in mathematics, thus increasing their likelihood of being accepted into college or university to pursue STEM related degrees.