A Summer Enrichment Program to Prepare Students for STEM Majors in College

The shortage of STEM graduates in the United States has been the focus of numerous recent reports.Data compiled by the American College Testing in 2008 shows that the overall four-year engineering graduation rate was 22% in public schools and 45% in private schools.While there are many causes that result in low graduation rates, it is more likely that rates could be improved if students are well-prepared for college and have clear future career goals.This paper presents the results of a new two-week summer enrichment program that focuses on improving student preparedness for college, while promoting active learning through hands-on experiences and activities.Students were introduced to various engineering disciplines through hands-on activities that included topics in chemistry, biology, physics, mathematics, computer science, electrical engineering, civil engineering, and mechanical engineering.The program also included two field trips where students toured a science laboratory and a manufacturing plant that employ scientists and engineers from different disciplines.