Panorama of teaching in higher education institutions under science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM) programs

Abstract

espanolLa inscripcion de estudiantes en programas STEM es critica en Mexico. Empleadores mencionaron tener dificultades encontrando personas con habilidades para llenar vacantes en areas CTIM. Los resultados mostraron que la capacitacion cultural, identidad juvenil y equidad de genero impactan en las elecciones profesionales por parte de estudiantes, en el area fronteriza de Baja California y Sonora. Esto puede definir que estrategias disenar e implementar en las universidades y cuales son factores de exito para reclutar estudiantes en estos programas. EnglishStudent enrolment in science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM) programs is critical in Mexico. Mexican employers reported having difficulty finding people with the necessary skills to fill vacancies in STEM areas. Our study analysed student responses regarding the main factors in choosing a STEM career. These included everything from gender roles to family opinions. The resulting indicators showed how cultural training, youth identity and gender equity impact career choices related to STEM for students in Mexico’s border areas of Baja California and Sonora. Our results can help define strategies universities should implement and success factors for recruiting and retaining students in STEM programs.