Stem Clubs and Science Fair Competitions: Effects on Post-Secondary Matriculation

As the global economic competition gets tougher, American policymakers and researchers are interested in finding ways to increase the number of students pursuing STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics)-related majors in order for the United States to continue its role as an economic powerhouse. A survey study was employed to investigate a multi-charter school system's (Harmony Public Schools [HPS]) after-school program in which doing a science fair project was expected for all 4th-12th grade students, and students were encouraged to participate STEM-related clubs (MATHCOUNTS, American Mathematics Competition [AMC], Science Olympiad, University Interscholastic League [UIL] and Science DEMO.). In particular, the first part of the study focused on how related matriculation of this specific school system was with the national average (n = 230). In the second part, the relationships between students' science fair and STEM club participation and their STEM major selection was investigated (n = 149). Findings showed that HPS outperformed the national average in terms of post-secondary admissions and STEM major selections. Multiple years of science fair project competition were positively related with students choosing a post-secondary STEM major (χ2(4) = 5.32, p =. 255). There was also a statistically significant relationship between the number of STEM clubs students participated in and their choice of STEM major (χ2(4) = 34.22, p < .001). Findings are discussed in light of developing STEM-focused after-school clubs.