Abstract
Existing literature supports a link between extracurricular activity (ECA) participation and long-term, positive academic outcomes. However, little research assesses the longitudinal patterns of ECA involvement with STEM (science, technology, engineering, and math) educational outcomes. The current study sought to assess the relationship between different patterns of high school ECA participation with STEM GPA and STEM related credential completion in college. Analysis supported continuous and discontinuous involvement as positively linked with both STEM GPA and STEM related credential completion, compared to no participation at all. These patterns replicated when controlling for sex, race, and reported family income. Sex, race, and family income did not significantly moderate links between ECA involvement and STEM related outcomes. Overall, this study presents further information about how ECA involvement affects STEM related outcomes.