Pre-university outreach in STEM field through basic electronics hands-on activities

This article presents the planning, execution, and observations made during the STEM-focussed Pre-university Outreach Programs organized by the IEEE Student Branch of the Indian Institute of Technology Jodhpur (India) for local schools students, particularly focussing on female students. The activities were planned in vernacular medium in order to engage a maximum of students. The activities included the first preview into the meaning of engineering and technology, outlining practical paths of careers in STEM and higher education, an introduction to basic electronics and equipment, followed by hands-on breadboard exercises. The activities were concluded with an exciting quiz contest among top six teams. The outreach programs also made observations on student perception of STEM careers and overall performance in quiz contests.