Vocational Anticipatory Socialization (VAS) Related to Science and Math: A Model of Academic and Career Interests.

The United States is failing to develop the math and science interests of our youth. As a result, we face a crucial shortage of workers in the science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) areas. Through vocational anticipatory socialization (VAS) adolescents develop interest in various vocations and, in general, learn about the world of work (Jablin 1987; 2001). In this research, we investigate academic and related career interests arguing that by the time students are in high school, a large number have already chosen not to pursue math or science, effectively eliminating their chances of entering STEM-based careers. Qualitative data from 38 adolescent focus groups (241 students) point to factors influencing their interest in math and science subjects and related careers. The resulting model depicts gender, cultural/socioeconomic, experiential, and personal factors (self-efficacy, exposure, resilience), and importantly, the sources and significance of VAS messages, toward the development of academic-career pursuits. ..PAT.-Unpublished Manuscript [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]