Reigniting STEM Interest: A 7,700-Student Study

Event ID: PP1162133

Thu, Mar 12, 2026 | 7:30 PM - 7:50 PM

Venue: Waller Ballroom B (Austin Marriott Downtown)

View on Official SXSW

Summary

In an era of global challenges—from clean water to AI ethics—we need an avalanche of young innovators, yet STEM interest drops during the middle-to-high school transition. A 7,700-student study reveals 6 levers that raise engagement: meaningful experiences, parent influence, unlocking girls’ participation, courage/agency, clear career images, and reframing difficulty. Take away a shared language, tested patterns, and next steps for applying them through Activation → Identity → Career.

Contributors

Raw Event JSON

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