Impacts of a STEM-Focused Summer Camp on Postsecondary Aspirations for Rural Appalachian High School Students.
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| Title: | Impacts of a STEM-Focused Summer Camp on Postsecondary Aspirations for Rural Appalachian High School Students. |
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| Authors: | Ault, Haley R.1 (AUTHOR) hault@gsu.edu, Cook, Katherine D.2 (AUTHOR), Gibbons, Melinda M.3 (AUTHOR), Hardin, Erin E.4 (AUTHOR), Carneal, Brittney3 (AUTHOR) |
| Source: | Journal of Career Development. Aug2026, Vol. 53 Issue 4, p474-493. 20p. |
| Abstract: | Out-of-school experiences are important opportunities for career and educational development, especially for underserved students. This study explored the experiences of rural Appalachian high school students who attended a STEM-based summer camp and the impacts on their college and STEM attitudes and beliefs. Grounded in Social Cognitive Career Theory (SCCT; Lent et al., 1994), the camp provided hands-on learning experiences, mentorship, and career exploration opportunities with the goal of increasing students' college-going self-efficacy, science identity, and STEM career interest. Findings indicate that students who attended the summer program experienced an immediate increase in self-efficacy and science identity following the summer camp, as well as a positive increase in STEM career interest over time compared to a matched sample of non-participants. These results highlight the potential of out-of-school STEM programming to support college and career development and extend the longer-term impact of STEM interventions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR] |
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| Database: | Education Research Complete |
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| Abstract: | Out-of-school experiences are important opportunities for career and educational development, especially for underserved students. This study explored the experiences of rural Appalachian high school students who attended a STEM-based summer camp and the impacts on their college and STEM attitudes and beliefs. Grounded in Social Cognitive Career Theory (SCCT; Lent et al., 1994), the camp provided hands-on learning experiences, mentorship, and career exploration opportunities with the goal of increasing students' college-going self-efficacy, science identity, and STEM career interest. Findings indicate that students who attended the summer program experienced an immediate increase in self-efficacy and science identity following the summer camp, as well as a positive increase in STEM career interest over time compared to a matched sample of non-participants. These results highlight the potential of out-of-school STEM programming to support college and career development and extend the longer-term impact of STEM interventions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR] |
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| ISSN: | 08948453 |
| DOI: | 10.1177/08948453261453002 |
