Author Type

Graduate Student

Date of Award

Spring 4-13-2026

Document Type

Dissertation

Publication Status

Version of Record

Submission Date

April 2026

Department

Educational Leadership and Research Methodology

College Granting Degree

College of Education

Department Granting Degree

Educational Leadership and Research Methodology

Degree Name

Doctor of Philosophy (PhD)

Thesis/Dissertation Advisor [Chair]

Jennifer L. Bloom

Thesis/Dissertation Co-Chair

Michael DeDonno

Abstract

This quantitative study examined the impact and efficacy of the Solar Car Challenge (SCC), a secondary-level science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) competition, on alumni postsecondary educational and career outcomes. The study investigated whether participation in the SCC influenced students’ pursuit of STEM college majors, entry into STEM-related careers, and development of career-ready competencies aligned with the National Association of Colleges and Employers (NACE) framework. While prior research has identified positive relationships between participation in national STEM competitions and STEM aspirations, no empirical studies have examined the SCC or its long-term outcomes.

Using survey data from SCC alumni, this study addressed four research questions related to participant demographics, degree of competition engagement, college major choice, career choice, and perceived development of career-ready competencies. Findings indicated that the degree of participation in the SCC was not a statistically significant predictor of STEM degree attainment or STEM career choice. Qualitative and descriptive findings suggest that many participants entered the program already positioned on a STEM pathway, which may help explain the null findings for these outcomes. In contrast, the overall model examining NACE career-ready competencies was statistically significant, indicating that participation in the SCC contributed to alumni perceptions of workforce-relevant skill development.

These findings suggest that the SCC may function less as a catalyst for initiating STEM career interest and more as an intensive experiential learning environment that reinforces existing STEM trajectories while strengthening transferable, workforce-relevant skills. This study highlights the value of STEM competitions in supporting workforce preparation and informing educators, program designers, and policymakers.

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