The goal of the Guitars, Robotics, and Rocketry Advanced Technological Education (GRRATE) project was to increase the number of rural STEM technicians in the form of self-efficacy building experiences with awareness of STEM technician career options available to them. The project team anticipated that an experience in STEM projects would create a sense of ownership, motivation and enhance self-esteem in students performing interdisciplinary tasks. We addressed this by offering Guitar Building, Rocketry and Robotics at three educational centers in the form of a 15-week project-based course. The centers are located in rural areas between 25 and 40 miles from the main campus at Santa Fe College. An S-STEM survey was administered to measure STEM attitudes, changes in attitudes, and efficacy in program participants. Semi-structured interviews were conducted regarding changes in attitudes/perceptions of STEM skills and interest in STEM-related careers. A parallel converged mixed-method provided evidence that students participating in the course experienced an increase in attitudes toward STEM competencies and STEM-related careers. © 2024 Taylor & Francis Group, LLC.
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