Project TRUE Year 1 Research Report

Project TRUE seeks to increase the interest of high school students in pursuing science, technology, engineering and mathematics majors by increasing participants’ exposure to urban ecology research conducted with college mentors. The Lifelong Learning Group is conducting research that explores the program’s longer-term influence on academic and career choices. More specifically, the research addresses the question: How do the four key elements of youth development in Project TRUE contribute to pursuit of advanced STEM study and career path in the short- and medium-term? This report presents baseline findings (relating to questions 1 and 3) established in the project’s first year. Data sources include an on line post-program questionnaire completed by the 44 first year participants; pre-program enrollment applications; and project records. The post-program questionnaire included psychometrically sound scales to measure perceived mentorship quality; motivational quality of participation (as measured by basic psychological need satisfaction and frustration); TRUE influence on career choice; outside influences on choices and decision making; science Interest; and perceived changes in positive youth development (including science and research skills; identity; leadership; community and environment; and habits).