STEM – Increasing 4th Grade Girls’ Confidence, Interest, and Efficacy Through a Five Session Afterschool Club

Abstract

Women are less likely to choose careers in Science, Technology, Engineering, and Math (commonly abbreviated STEM). Many of the influences that predispose girls to this fate come from society, home, and school (Barnes, McInerney, & Marsh, 2005). In this study, STEM interest questionnaires were given to 10 4th grade girls before and after their involvement in a 5-session after school STEM club. A second group of 10 girls who did not participate in the after school program also completed the interest surveys at the same times. Surveys from both groups were compared to identify changes in interest due to treatment. There were no significant findings of value.