Identifying Positive Catalysts in the STEM Career Pipeline

Science, Technology, Engineering and Math (STEM) professionals continue to be in demand throughout the world. Building this future workforce remains the focus of many educational and outreach organizations. To optimize these efforts, it is important to identify what positive influences and catalysts affect students as they move through the STEM career pipeline. Using survey findings of currently employed scientists and engineers reflecting on their journey through K-12 education to careers, beneficial interactions can be identified. These results point towards different catalysts having influences as specific phases in the career pipeline, with notable bright spots of family and teacher influence particularly for middle school and high school girls. These insights can provide direction for STEM education and outreach programs to better reach K-12 students, particularly those from underrepresented demographics, at pivotal transition points with tailored multifaceted initiatives. These efforts can enhance self-perception and self-efficacy for students and help inspire those with career aspirations in STEM fields to continue pursuing their goals and become the next generation of problem solvers and innovators.