Inspiring interest in STEM education among Qatar's youth Conference Paper uri icon

abstract

  • © 2017 American Society for Engineering Education. Countries in the Middle East and North Africa have been working to promote STEM disciplines and move rapidly toward post-hydrocarbon economies with the help of a highly skilled technical workforce. The State of Qatar has invested considerably in the education of its next generation as it seeks to reduce its reliance on oil and gas. This paper examines whether Qatari students' attitudes toward STEM disciplines and careers in engineering can be influenced through the experience of a university STEM enrichment program. This research analyzes surveys completed by students before and after a two-week summer STEM outreach program in 2015. It concludes that STEM enrichment experiences can positively impact students' perceptions of the prestige of engineering careers in a culture that places enormous personal and family pride in career success.

published proceedings

  • 2017 ASEE International Forum

author list (cited authors)

  • Creel, B., Nite, S., Almarri, J. E., Shafik, Z., Mari, S., & Al-Thani, W. A.

complete list of authors

  • Creel, B||Nite, S||Almarri, JE||Shafik, Z||Mari, S||Al-Thani, WA

publication date

  • June 2017