Run one-week summer STEM career academies combining a project-based learning unit, an industry tour, and a family showcase¶

Strategy · All strategies
Evidence · no claims cited

Description¶

A CAC member described a summer career-exploration model in which students "try out our different pathways" through a week-long project-based learning unit, an industry tour, and a closing showcase for families. The member reported adapting this model for students who are homeless and foster youth so they can experience a college campus, see it as attainable, meet industry people, and practice networking — combining committee members' ideas to spark career exploration.

Design Implications¶

Context¶

Requirements¶

• Access to a college campus, industry partners willing to host tours, and family engagement for the end-of-week showcase

Constraints¶

• Described by one committee member as an existing local practice being extended, not an evaluated intervention

Target Learners¶

• High school students, including students who are homeless and foster youth

Target Learning Goals¶

• STEM career exploration, college attainability beliefs, and networking with industry professionals

Related Strategies¶

• Support digitally fluent career pathways through ecosystems, educator training, work-based learning, convenings, and showcases
• Next-phase agenda: pilot and refine STEM pathways, align STEM education with local economic demands, and plan a sustaining backbone organization

Examples¶

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Key Sources¶

• Babineau, K., Shah, Z., Jacobs, B., Miller, A., Alvarado, B., Aguirre, N., Fennelly-Atkinson, R., & Young, V. (2025). Building Bridges: Cultivating Interconnectedness for STEM Pathways in San Diego. Digital Promise. https://doi.org/10.51388/20.500.12265/254