The purpose of this study is to examine the attitudes of middle school 7th and 8th grade students towards STEM education in Turkey and Ghana. The research was conducted to a total of 974 grade 7 & 8 middle school students (480 from Turkey-Mugla Province and 494 from Ghana-Accra Province) during the spring semester of 2018-2019 academic year. A quantitative research method was used in this research. The attitudes of the students towards STEM show statistically significant difference in each dimension depending on which country the schools are located. The study revealed that the students' attitudes towards STEM education were “positive”. While there was no significant relationship between students' attitudes towards STEM and their gender and grade levels, there was a significant difference between their attitudes and the place where their schools were located.

In this original research manuscript, we examined how gender, race, and ethnic heritage shape the science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM)-related and higher education aspirations of different communities of refugee youth and families participating in university–community organization partnerships. Families from various ethnic-based community organizations in Arizona (serving Bhutanese, Burundian, Congolese, Somali, and Syrian people) participated in this study. Using social cognitive career theory as our conceptual framework and a qualitative research approach, we conducted interviews and focus groups with 27 families over two years to better understand their experiences. We found that the youth and families in our study experienced the following: (1) a recognition of the value of STEM education; (2) the value of consistent support from parents and community members; and (3) appreciation for the practical interventions provided by the university–community partnership. Additionally, families communicated conflicting perceptions of the salience of race and gender. We concluded by discussing the implications of the study findings for higher education scholarship and practice.