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From Camps to Careers: Analyzing the Impact of Summer STEM Camps on Students' Career Choices

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Title: From Camps to Careers: Analyzing the Impact of Summer STEM Camps on Students' Career Choices
Language: English
Authors: Chynar Amanova (ORCID 0000-0002-5564-4909), Paul M. Wright (ORCID 0000-0002-2818-3094), Kristin Brynteson (ORCID 0000-0002-5654-5443)
Source: Journal of Pedagogical Research. 2025 9(5):159-179.
Availability: Journal of Pedagogical Research. Duzce University, Faculty of Education, Konuralp Campus, 81620, Duzce, Turkey. e-mail: ijopr.editor@gmail.com; Web site: https://www.ijopr.com/
Peer Reviewed: Y
Page Count: 21
Publication Date: 2025
Document Type: Journal Articles
Reports - Research
Education Level: Junior High Schools
Middle Schools
Secondary Education
High Schools
Descriptors: Career Choice, STEM Education, STEM Careers, Resident Camp Programs, Summer Programs, Middle School Students, High School Students, Program Effectiveness, Student Interests, Vocational Interests
Geographic Terms: Illinois
ISSN: 2602-3717
Abstract: Amid growing concerns about students' declining interest and proficiency in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics [STEM] subjects, this study underscores the urgent need for innovative educational interventions. It does so by investigating the impact of week-long residential STEM summer camps on the career interests of middle and high school students, using both quantitative and qualitative methods. By employing a tool for assessing responsibility-based education in conjunction with the STEMCIS, we aimed to identify a shift in interest and a lasting commitment to exploring careers in STEM fields. The results of pre- and post-camp surveys revealed a statistically significant increase in students' career interest, especially in engineering, emphasizing the positive impact of STEM summer camps on shaping students' future career trajectories. Qualitative data also indicated that participation in STEM summer camps enhanced students' interest in STEM-related careers and their understanding of both the practical applications of STEM concepts and the opportunities available in STEM careers. These findings contribute to pedagogical research by demonstrating how informal STEM programs can complement formal education, promote equity, and support career development. We recommend that educators, school leaders, and policymakers invest in and expand access to such programs to cultivate a diverse and skilled STEM workforce, thereby promoting equity and building a workforce that is both diverse and qualified to meet the demands of a technology-driven society.
Abstractor: As Provided
Entry Date: 2025
Accession Number: EJ1489304
Database: ERIC
FullText Text:
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  Data: From Camps to Careers: Analyzing the Impact of Summer STEM Camps on Students' Career Choices
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  Data: <searchLink fieldCode="AR" term="%22Chynar+Amanova%22">Chynar Amanova</searchLink> (ORCID <externalLink term="http://orcid.org/0000-0002-5564-4909">0000-0002-5564-4909</externalLink>)<br /><searchLink fieldCode="AR" term="%22Paul+M%2E+Wright%22">Paul M. Wright</searchLink> (ORCID <externalLink term="http://orcid.org/0000-0002-2818-3094">0000-0002-2818-3094</externalLink>)<br /><searchLink fieldCode="AR" term="%22Kristin+Brynteson%22">Kristin Brynteson</searchLink> (ORCID <externalLink term="http://orcid.org/0000-0002-5654-5443">0000-0002-5654-5443</externalLink>)
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  Data: <searchLink fieldCode="SO" term="%22Journal+of+Pedagogical+Research%22"><i>Journal of Pedagogical Research</i></searchLink>. 2025 9(5):159-179.
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  Data: Journal of Pedagogical Research. Duzce University, Faculty of Education, Konuralp Campus, 81620, Duzce, Turkey. e-mail: ijopr.editor@gmail.com; Web site: https://www.ijopr.com/
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  Data: 21
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  Data: <searchLink fieldCode="EL" term="%22Junior+High+Schools%22">Junior High Schools</searchLink><br /><searchLink fieldCode="EL" term="%22Middle+Schools%22">Middle Schools</searchLink><br /><searchLink fieldCode="EL" term="%22Secondary+Education%22">Secondary Education</searchLink><br /><searchLink fieldCode="EL" term="%22High+Schools%22">High Schools</searchLink>
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  Data: <searchLink fieldCode="DE" term="%22Career+Choice%22">Career Choice</searchLink><br /><searchLink fieldCode="DE" term="%22STEM+Education%22">STEM Education</searchLink><br /><searchLink fieldCode="DE" term="%22STEM+Careers%22">STEM Careers</searchLink><br /><searchLink fieldCode="DE" term="%22Resident+Camp+Programs%22">Resident Camp Programs</searchLink><br /><searchLink fieldCode="DE" term="%22Summer+Programs%22">Summer Programs</searchLink><br /><searchLink fieldCode="DE" term="%22Middle+School+Students%22">Middle School Students</searchLink><br /><searchLink fieldCode="DE" term="%22High+School+Students%22">High School Students</searchLink><br /><searchLink fieldCode="DE" term="%22Program+Effectiveness%22">Program Effectiveness</searchLink><br /><searchLink fieldCode="DE" term="%22Student+Interests%22">Student Interests</searchLink><br /><searchLink fieldCode="DE" term="%22Vocational+Interests%22">Vocational Interests</searchLink>
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  Data: <searchLink fieldCode="DE" term="%22Illinois%22">Illinois</searchLink>
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  Data: 2602-3717
– Name: Abstract
  Label: Abstract
  Group: Ab
  Data: Amid growing concerns about students' declining interest and proficiency in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics [STEM] subjects, this study underscores the urgent need for innovative educational interventions. It does so by investigating the impact of week-long residential STEM summer camps on the career interests of middle and high school students, using both quantitative and qualitative methods. By employing a tool for assessing responsibility-based education in conjunction with the STEMCIS, we aimed to identify a shift in interest and a lasting commitment to exploring careers in STEM fields. The results of pre- and post-camp surveys revealed a statistically significant increase in students' career interest, especially in engineering, emphasizing the positive impact of STEM summer camps on shaping students' future career trajectories. Qualitative data also indicated that participation in STEM summer camps enhanced students' interest in STEM-related careers and their understanding of both the practical applications of STEM concepts and the opportunities available in STEM careers. These findings contribute to pedagogical research by demonstrating how informal STEM programs can complement formal education, promote equity, and support career development. We recommend that educators, school leaders, and policymakers invest in and expand access to such programs to cultivate a diverse and skilled STEM workforce, thereby promoting equity and building a workforce that is both diverse and qualified to meet the demands of a technology-driven society.
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  Data: 2025
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RecordInfo BibRecord:
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    Languages:
      – Text: English
    PhysicalDescription:
      Pagination:
        PageCount: 21
        StartPage: 159
    Subjects:
      – SubjectFull: Career Choice
        Type: general
      – SubjectFull: STEM Education
        Type: general
      – SubjectFull: STEM Careers
        Type: general
      – SubjectFull: Resident Camp Programs
        Type: general
      – SubjectFull: Summer Programs
        Type: general
      – SubjectFull: Middle School Students
        Type: general
      – SubjectFull: High School Students
        Type: general
      – SubjectFull: Program Effectiveness
        Type: general
      – SubjectFull: Student Interests
        Type: general
      – SubjectFull: Vocational Interests
        Type: general
      – SubjectFull: Illinois
        Type: general
    Titles:
      – TitleFull: From Camps to Careers: Analyzing the Impact of Summer STEM Camps on Students' Career Choices
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            NameFull: Chynar Amanova
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            NameFull: Paul M. Wright
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              Y: 2025
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