Incentivizing Fifth-Grade Students to Pursue Science Education: A Study on Encouraging Enrollment in STEM-Specialized High Schools

Abstract

“STEM-Up” is a pioneering endeavor led by Grade 12 students from Philippine Science High School – Caraga Region Campus, designed to address the challenge of low enrollment rates from Buhangin Elementary School into the Philippine Science High School (PSHS). Grounded in the imperative to cultivate future scholars from Brgy. Buhangin, Butuan City, this project aims to introduce innovative strategies to augment enrollment figures and foster academic excellence. Drawing inspiration from pertinent literature on educational outreach and student motivation, STEM-Up is structured to empower fifth-grade students by providing tailored lessons geared towards excelling in the National Competitive Examination (NCE). The project also emphasizes the importance of mentorship and guidance in nurturing young talents towards realizing their potential to contribute meaningfully to national development. The methodology employed in STEM-Up encompasses a multifaceted approach, beginning with comprehensive engagement with stakeholders, including local authorities, school administrators, and target student cohorts. Initial phases involved the formulation of informed consent procedures, the selection of participants, and the dissemination of project details to the concerned parties. Leveraging insights from educational psychology and pedagogy, the curriculum design prioritized topics aligned with NCE requirements and tailored instructional methodologies to suit the learning needs of the target demographic. Implementation strategies included regular classroom sessions supplemented by interactive workshops and mentoring sessions aimed at instilling confidence and motivation among participants. Continuous assessment and feedback mechanisms were integrated to gauge student progress and adapt instructional strategies accordingly.