Perceptions and Preferences of High School Students in STEM: A Case Study in Connecticut and Mississippi

Abstract

This study uses data collected at two National Summer Transportation Institute (NSTI) programs in Connecticut and Mississippi to investigate high school students' perceptions and preferences about education in science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM). Family background has a significant impact on a high school student's interest in STEM, as shown during the student recruitment stage and by the analysis of the students' college education plans prepared upon graduation from the two NSTI programs. The building exercise and competition instrument is the most effective among the few examined, while passive learning is not what young people prefer when briefly introduced in the two NSTI programs.

Keywords

• Pre-university Outreach
• Stem Education
• Educational Instruments
• Discrete Choice Model