Assessing graduate capability development through university STEM community engagement programs

Growing concerns regarding workforce needs in Australia’s technology-driven economic future has set Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (STEM) education at the forefront of educational initiatives in both school and tertiary sectors. At the same time, universities are under increasing pressure to deliver work ready and employable graduates, seeking new ways to embed graduate capabilities into their curricular and extra-curricular activities. University-based outreach and peer-learning programs support the STEM agenda by involving tertiary students in community engagement. Such programs provide opportunities for university students to gain valuable work experience outside of the curriculum. The Extreme Science school outreach program and the STIMulate peer-learning program for undergraduate students are two initiatives operating at the Queensland University of Technology that address retention and achievement in STEM subjects and courses at pre-tertiary and tertiary level. The Extreme Science Program is a Federally-funded program that employs university student ambassadors to build aspiration for tertiary studies and future careers in STEM for school students from low-income backgrounds. The STIMulate program uses student volunteers act as peer learning facilitators providing support to university students in STEM fields. Student participants in both programs were surveyed as part of program teaching and learning quality evaluation. These pilot surveys, conducted in 2013 and 2015, used an on-line survey tool to determine adequacy of training and ascertain impact of the role on graduate capabilities development, sense of belonging to QUT community and future employment outcomes. The surveys included five-point Likert Scale questions and open-ended responses. Analysis of survey results indicate that these programs support knowledge and skills relevant to their discipline area and enhance skills development in generic graduate attributes of communication, team work and leadership, and enhance work placement and career employability potential. This warrants further evidence-based research on these programs to investigate how participation enhances employability and life-long learning.