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Rogers, K. L., Alston-Socha, W. M., Hudson, K. N., & Campbell, T. S. (2026). Building the STEM workforce: Insights for enhancing business-led informal STEM outreach programs for underserved students. RTI Press Research Brief
Business-led informal STEM outreach (BISO) programs are designed by businesses to foster interest in STEM, especially among underserved minority students, and to align community outreach with future workforce development needs. While these programs can inspire students to pursue STEM learning and careers, many BISO facilitators, despite their passion and technical expertise, lack formal pedagogical training. This deficiency can limit their ability to effectively engage diverse student populations in STEM. Applying Self-Determination Theory as a framework, our observational study underscores the importance of structuring BISO programs to meet students' psychological needs for autonomy, competence, and relatedness, which are critical for enhancing intrinsic motivation and long-term engagement in STEM. The findings highlight a need for targeted professional development to equip BISO facilitators with the skills necessary to create engaging, inclusive learning experiences. Future research should focus on developing strategies to train and support BISO facilitators to achieve these goals and align educational practices with industry objectives. Addressing these gaps can enhance the effectiveness of BISO programs, particularly in fostering interest among female students and underrepresented minority groups, contributing to a more diverse and skilled STEM workforce.
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