- Seventh-grade underrepresented minority students were not only similar in their attitudes toward mathematics and sciences compared to males and White and Asian students, but they were actually more likely to be in the Positive group compared to other students.
- Despite early positive attitudes, females and underrepresented minorities were less likely to be employed in a STEM career some 20 years later.
- These findings are encouraging in that if attitudes of females and underrepresented minorities at this early stage are similar to those of males and White and Asian students, there are opportunities to support and nurture these positive attitudes through high school to encourage more students to pursue STEM careers.
- Even if students do not pursue STEM careers, encouraging and supporting more positive attitudes toward mathematics and science nurtures the growth of a more informed public that supports, appreciates, and is energized by STEM innovations.