Using hackathons as a tool in STEM education

Science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM) education has gained prominence in recent years in part due to burgeoning STEM fields and workforce demand. There is a growing worry that the US will not be able to maintain the lead in world economy without additional investment in STEM education. Currently, the proportion of STEM college graduates to overall graduates in the US is much lower than the proportions of other nations. In addition, student diversity in STEM education is dismal, with the lack of representation even lower in the US workforce. Efforts have been made to increase funding and educational support for STEM in college, as well as K-12 levels. This project focused on using an intensive educational event known as a Hack Day in an effort to increase undergraduate college student interest and retention in STEM. The event also aimed to increase participant social capital and to target underrepresented student groups. The event was hosted on California State University, East Bay (CSUEB) campus and was open to all participants. Data were collected primarily through two surveys issued at the beginning and the end of the event. Demographic and self-reported data were analyzed to determine the participant profile, and interest and knowledge changes resulting from the event. A unique participant population was found and described. Positive increases were observed in all participant interest and knowledge levels of STEM categories. The data suggest that participant social capital was also positively impacted by the event. All but one participant was interested in attending another similar hack day event. The CSUEB Hack Day was successful and is recommended to be used as a model for other intensive academic events focused on promoting STEM education on college campuses. Further research should help cement hack days as impactful events in the effort to increase interest in STEM disciplines.