Improving access to STEM education for youth in rural Appalachia
Imagining Possibilities in Post-Secondary education and STEMM in Rural Appalachia
This study is all about helping young people in rural Appalachia get excited about and succeed in college, especially in science, technology, engineering, math, and medicine (STEMM), by finding ways to support them better in their education.
Quick facts
| Grant type | NIH-funded research |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of Tennessee Knoxville NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Knoxville, United States) |
| Project ID | NIH-10920396 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
This research focuses on addressing the educational barriers faced by youth in rural Appalachia, particularly in pursuing degrees in science, technology, engineering, mathematics, and medicine (STEMM). It aims to develop and implement interventions that enhance interest and support for post-secondary education among these students. By understanding the unique challenges of this community, the project seeks to create effective strategies that encourage higher enrollment rates in STEMM fields. The approach includes evaluating the impact of these interventions on students' intentions to pursue undergraduate degrees in STEMM.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: Ideal candidates for this research are youth aged 21 and under from rural Appalachian communities who are interested in pursuing post-secondary education.
Not a fit: Patients who are not from rural Appalachian areas or who are not interested in STEMM education may not benefit from this research.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could significantly increase the number of Appalachian youth pursuing higher education in STEMM fields, thereby addressing healthcare disparities in the region.
How similar studies have performed: Previous research has shown that targeted educational interventions can successfully increase college enrollment rates among underrepresented populations, suggesting a promising approach for this project.
Where this research is happening
Knoxville, United States
- University of Tennessee Knoxville — Knoxville, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Gibbons, Melinda Miller — University of Tennessee Knoxville
- Study coordinator: Gibbons, Melinda Miller
About this research
- This is an active NIH-funded research project — typically early-stage science, not a clinical trial accepting patient enrollment.
- Some NIH-funded labs run parallel clinical studies or seek volunteers for related work. To check, contact the principal investigator or institution listed above.
- For full project details, budget, and progress reports, visit the official NIH RePORTER page below.