Evaluating and comparing in-person and virtual experiential learning programs for improving STEM career readiness of students from underrepresented communities

The demand for science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) workers in the U.S. has grown 24% in the last decade, but only 16% of STEM workers come from Hispanic and African American populations. Because of this disparity, there is a need to direct underrepresented students to STEM careers. The HackBio outreach program in Durham, NC introduces underrepresented high school students to STEM careers and human-environment interactions through experiential learning. The program also provides Duke University undergraduates with opportunities to serve as mentors to the high school students. Historically, HackBio has been an in-person event, but, in 2020, a virtual program was developed due to the pandemic. This program evaluation used pre- and post-event surveys to determine if the high school participants learned about pathways to STEM careers and human-environment interactions, and whether undergraduate mentors improved their leadership and mentoring skills. The evaluation also compared in-person and virtual events. I analyzed survey responses using thematic coding and one-sided t-tests. Both the in-person and virtual event significantly increased high school students’ knowledge of and confidence in environmental hazards in their community and increased their preparedness for the college application process and understanding of STEM research. I also found that undergraduates gained leadership, public speaking, problem-solving, and facilitation skills.