Diversifying the STEM Pipeline

Middle school students from low-income and minority backgrounds (n = 166) were targeted to participate in a 2-year, intensive, hands-on science and technology intervention to increase their interest in biomedical and health sciences. Qualitative student responses collected during the 2nd year of participation revealed positive attitudes toward the program experience and benefits of their exposure to science. However, results from quantitative evaluation data provided a mixed assessment of the effectiveness of the intervention. In light of these findings, insights drawn from reflecting on successes and challenges experienced during the course of planning and implementing the study are provided to guide future programs and research.