Pathways To Stem Occupations: Advanced Curriculum And College Outreach Programs During High School

Abstract

This quantitative study uses data from the Educational Longitudinal Study of 2002 to examine the influence of high school program participation on the pursuit of STEM-related pathways (major field of study, educational attainment, occupation). With Bourdieu's concepts of capital and habitus as the underlying theoretical framework, I examine whether various forms of capital instilled from family and gained through education through participation in advanced curriculum and college outreach programs in high school are related to individuals' post-secondary pathways resulting in STEM-related careers. Data analysis includes descriptive statistics and multivariate statistics to determine the likelihood of STEM-related outcomes (e.g., field of study, occupation) in relation to high school capital (i.e., programs) and socio-demographic characteristics.Findings suggest participation in advanced curriculum programs during high school increases the chances of students to engage in and complete a STEM-related major field of study, as well as seek employment in a STEM occupation. Additionally, advanced curriculum furthers the level of educational attainment. While participation in college outreach programs tends to have a positive effect on post-secondary access, a minimal relationship is evident in the pursuit and completion of STEM-related degrees or finding employment in STEM occupations. Specific socio-demographic characteristics (i.e. being White, male, having highly educated parents, and belonging to the highest SES quartile) are found to associate with STEM outcomes as well. In summary, this study demonstrates that the combined effect of high school programs and socio-demographic factors contribute to deepening the inequality in access and attainment in STEM academic fields and occupations.