This paper explores how students attending a mathematics and
science academy came to have an interest in STEM careers. Student
dispositions are first compared to their generational peers as well
as STEM education professionals to affirm that academy students
have STEM dispositions indicative of adults currently occupying
STEM-related careers. Next these indicators are examined in more
detail from the perspective of disaggregated subgroups. Finally reported
reasons for interest in a STEM career path are presented and
discussed to develop insight into ways to encourage more students
to pursue STEM careers