Diversifying the STEM pipeline: Evidence from STEM summer programs for underrepresented youth

Underrepresentation of Black and Hispanic workers in STEM fields contributes to racial wage gaps and reduces innovation and economic growth. Billions of dollars a year are spent on "pipeline'' programs to increase diversity in STEM, but there is little rigorous evidence of their efficacy. We fielded a randomized controlled trial to study a suite of such programs that are targeted to underrepresented high school students hosted at an elite, technical institution. Students offered seats in the STEM summer programs are more likely to enroll in, persist through, and graduate from college.

• Education Policy Speaker Series
• Education Policy Initiative