Understanding the Impact of Girl Scout Engineering Programming on Middle School Girls’ Engineering Identity

This research category student poster paper presents the study design for understanding the impact of Girl Scout engineering programming on middle school girls’ engineering identity, which will be operationalized as their view of themselves as potential future engineers. Despite many years of recruitment efforts, women have remained underrepresented in the field of engineering. Previous research has shown the importance of experiences in elementary and middle school on students’ career choices, so these experiences must be leveraged. While experiences in the classroom are certainly valuable, experiences outside of the classroom can be equally influential. Understanding the impact of informal programs on developing engineering interests in girls, such as the ones offered by the Girl Scouts, will provide insight into how their engineering identity is developed. Ultimately, understanding this identity development will help recruit more women into the engineering field and reduce the gender gap which has been so persistent.