. 3).” Traditional data are limited in what they tell us about STEMeducation. In particular, they do not capture the pulse of the people nor provide insight into themajor entities that can assist STEM initiatives. They are, like most STEM initiatives, top-downand very strongly tied to activities in formal institutions. Consequently, there has been a renewedinterest in recent years to revisit the limitations and quality of existing data and, as Feuer (2013)argues, “the need for more and better data, and priority topics for a sustained research agenda (p.5)” [4].These newer data and information are needed especially if we want to pursue and achieve manyof the goals outlined by policy researchers that are shown to work. For instance, Malcom
Paper ID #223392018 CoNECD - The Collaborative Network for Engineering and ComputingDiversity Conference: Crystal City, Virginia Apr 29Engineering vs. Engineering Technology: Toward Understanding the Fac-tors Influencing the Academic and Career Pathways of African AmericanStudentsDr. Lesley M Berhan, University of ToledoDr. Anne M Lucietto, Purdue Polytechnic Institute Dr. Lucietto has focused her research in engineering technology education and the understanding of engineering technology students. She teaches in an active learning style which engages and develops practical skills in the students. Currently she is exploring the