Impact of Texas A&M University Physics Outreach Programs on Students

This study explores the impact of physics outreach activities on student’s identity and the development of necessary skills for 21st century careers. Data were collected using a survey instrument (117 responses) and interviews (35) with current and former undergraduate and graduate students who participated in outreach programs through the Department of Physics & Astronomy at Texas A&M University. The study reveals several factors linking participation in physics outreach programs to the development of an individual’s physics identity and sense of belonging in addition to soft skill development. The transition from new student to contributing physicist does not happen only through experiences in the classroom or in a laboratory. This transformation requires interactions in a broader context between an individual and the STEM community. Physics outreach programs provide a critical context for informal experiences to complete the education of any aspiring physicist. These results will help inform future retention efforts, and could be applied to outreach programs beyond physics and astronomy.