Residential versus Online? Experimental Evidence on Diversifying the STEM Pipeline

Abstract

Prior research has shown that most educational interventions boost student outcomes to a greater extent when delivered in person as opposed to online. However, we know little about whether this is true for enrichment programs targeted to highly motivated populations. By using a randomized controlled trial to study a suite of such programs intended to increase diversity in the STEM pipeline, we reveal that all experiences increase college six-year graduation, especially from competitive universities, but increases in STEM degree production come only from in-person experiences.