The Impact of STEM Volunteering on STEM Identity and STEM Efficacy
Location
SU-216
Department
Computer Science
Abstract
Service through volunteerism correlates with growth in social behavior and academic aptitude. STEM-related service has the potential to promote an individual’s growth and belonging in the profession. Although beneficial, there are limited studies that address the impact of service with STEM-identity (ability to see oneself as a STEM professional) and STEM-efficacy (belief in one’s ability to succeed in STEM). We hypothesize that students who participate in STEM-related services increase their STEM identity and efficacy. To test the hypothesis, we designed several short-, medium-, and long-term STEM-related service projects and designed surveys to measure impact. Preliminary results indicate an increase in STEM efficacy and STEM identity overall but a decrease in a long-term activity. Participants expressed willingness to continue providing STEM-related service. More service activities will be designed to expand the current sample size to enhance these findings and conduct case-study interviews to get the volunteers’ perspectives.
Faculty Sponsor
Doris Espiritu
The Impact of STEM Volunteering on STEM Identity and STEM Efficacy
SU-216
Service through volunteerism correlates with growth in social behavior and academic aptitude. STEM-related service has the potential to promote an individual’s growth and belonging in the profession. Although beneficial, there are limited studies that address the impact of service with STEM-identity (ability to see oneself as a STEM professional) and STEM-efficacy (belief in one’s ability to succeed in STEM). We hypothesize that students who participate in STEM-related services increase their STEM identity and efficacy. To test the hypothesis, we designed several short-, medium-, and long-term STEM-related service projects and designed surveys to measure impact. Preliminary results indicate an increase in STEM efficacy and STEM identity overall but a decrease in a long-term activity. Participants expressed willingness to continue providing STEM-related service. More service activities will be designed to expand the current sample size to enhance these findings and conduct case-study interviews to get the volunteers’ perspectives.