Impacts of a STEM-Focused Summer Camp on Postsecondary Aspirations for Rural Appalachian High School Students

Haley R. Ault, Katherine D. Cook, Melinda M. Gibbons, Erin E. Hardin, Brittney Carneal, Department of Counseling and Psychological Services, Georgia State University, Psychology Department, Henry University, Human Development, and Family Science, University of Tennessee, Psychology and Neuroscience, University of Tennessee

Journal of Career Development

Published online on May 30, 2026

Abstract

Journal of Career Development, Volume 53, Issue 4, Page 474-493, August 2026.
Out-of-school experiences are important opportunities for career and educational development, especially for underserved students. This study explored the experiences of rural Appalachian high school students who attended a STEM-based summer camp and the ...