Importance of STEM Extracurricular Activities for Students with Disabilities

Students with disabilities are under represented in science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM) careers (National Science Foundation, 2013). The employment gap is a problem because the nation\u27s competitiveness depends on diverse individuals with STEM knowledge, skills, and abilities to drive innovation that will need to new products and economic growth (Business-higher Education Forum/A Policy Brief, 2014; National Academies of Sciences, Engineering, and Medicine, 2016; National Science Board, 2015). The objectives of the proposed session is to discuss the current research on STEM education as it relates to extracurricular activities. The primary audience is anyone interested on the impact of extracurricular STEM activities on students with disabilities including educators, parents, and students. Participants will be engaged by the information presented through videos and audience participation. As a result of the session participants will understand the importance of offering extracurricular STEM activities and recruiting students with disabilities to participate them