Utilizing Engineering Clubs in Rural High Schools to Sustain Interest in STEM Fields
Abstract: This paper studies the development of high school engineering clubs to help build interest in science, technology, engineering, and math (STEM) fields. Based on a National Science Foundation funded program for teachers and students connecting science, engineering, mathematics, design, and information technologies to technology education in rural schools, a number of student engineering organizations were started. Outcomes are projected to enhance the educational possibilities to women, minorities and underserved students in rural areas. This paper examines the history of the project, the development of first summer camp and finally the implementation of clubs to reinforce and sustain the activities the students learned and interests developed over the summer to enhance interest in STEM careers in college.
Presider: Alan Burns, DePaul University