Generation STEM
STEM Community Partnerships Program:
Key Insights 2021
STEM Community Partnerships Program (CPP) grew considerably in 2021 and was the key program driving Generation STEM’s expansion into regional NSW. Over 10 years, this initiative aims to attract, support, train and retain NSW students in selected school areas in STEM and into further education and employment.
But, what factors influenced students’ decisions to study STEM, and how could the program be improved for current and future participants?
What we did
Our Education and Outreach Impact and Evaluation Team collected data from participating students, teachers and industry mentors through 112 student surveys, 165 post-event questionnaires and teacher and industry mentor interviews. 
Insights
Based on survey findings, key insights for STEM CPP include:
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Students indicated that the inquiry-learning project ishaving the biggest impact on their interest in STEM.43% of students surveyed reported that it had made them‘much more interested’ in STEM.

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Students reported a substantial increase in their interestin, and attitude towards STEM. Students surveyed reporteda statistically significant positive change in seven out of thenine outcome statements.

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Students and teachers reported that STEM CPP haspositively impacted students’ 21st century skills.Specifically, 96% of students surveyed reported that STEMCPP has positively impacted their problem-solving abilities.

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Girls are less likely than boys to report feeling confidentabout STEM, or to have a desire to work in STEM.45% of female students surveyed reported that they wantedto have a job in STEM compared to 62% of male students.


Learnings
Based on survey and interview feedback, key learnings for STEM CPP include:
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potentially tailoring portions of the program to addressspecific challenges that young women face when pursuingSTEM education

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focusing on matching schools with industry mentors earlier,so teachers can more effectively use them as a resource forthe inquiry-learning project

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exploring viable options to provide more personalisedfeedback to students on their work in theinquiry-learning project

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streamlining consent processes.


CSIRO Education and Outreach
Kate Miller, Principal Advisor, Impact and Evaluation
+61 2 9325 3169 | kate.miller@csiro.au

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