• Identify a meaningful result that could be a meaningful objective for a collective impact initiative in your community

UTAH PREP

Although Utah is growing economically, technical employers have difficulty finding qualified employees to fill open STEM positions.  For instance, a 2011 survey of engineering companies in Utah conducted by the Utah Technology Council showed that 51% were having difficulty finding enough qualified candidates and that 65% were seeking employees out of state or out of the country. This shortage is critical to the state’s economy because all of the economic clusters identified by the Governor’s Office of Economic Development as priority opportunities for sustainable economic development rely on engineering and computer science for their success.  State educational reports identify one of the biggest factors preventing students from obtaining degrees in STEM fields is their lack of preparation in mathematics. 

According to the National Center for Education Statistics, students’ high school curriculum is one of the most influential factors in attaining a bachelor’s degree.  For students whose parents did not attend college, the percentage of individuals who take advanced mathematics in high school will increase significantly (83% versus 34%) if the student takes Algebra in 8th grade.  Curriculum and advanced math in high school are associated with higher rates of enrollment in a 4-year institution and completion of a bachelor’s degree.  However, recent trends show that just taking advanced courses is not enough – research by the National Science Foundation shows that while the number of high school students taking AP Calculus and Statistics has risen sharply in the past 10 years, the number of students enrolling in STEM fields in college has only increased slightly. In addition to earlier math preparation, students need high expectations and strong role models, opportunities to become acquainted with STEM careers, and authentic, transformational experiences in these fields.

• Describe briefly your context and community to justify why achieving this result would make a difference (an impact)

The purpose of UTAH PREP is to identify low-income, underrepresented, first generation, students (targeting females) entering seventh grade who have an interest and aptitude in math and science, and involve them in a three-year summer program integrating STEM teachings.  Low performance levels in STEM fields for women and underrepresented students are often influenced by the lack of encouragement and fewer role models.  Some of the stereotypical challenges encountered is the belief that they do not possess the innate ability to succeed.  To counter these damaging effects, research suggests more role models and mentors, development of spatial skills, and encouraging the understanding that math and science abilities grow over time.  All of these concerns are addressed by the UTAH PREP curriculum.

Hosted on six Utah university campuses, UTAH PREP conducts this seven-week program over the course of three consecutive summers to eligible students.  In addition to delivering a broad STEM education, the course content is designed to provide experiences that promote a clear understanding of how mathematical concepts and procedures are applied in the fields of engineering and science.  The program aims to motivate and prepare participants to successfully pursue STEM studies and careers.  A comprehensive STEM education will enable women and underrepresented individuals to overcome negative stereotypes and gain the technical skills and competencies needed to compete in today’s local and global marketplace.