Impact of Early Introduction to the Neurosciences on West Virginia High School Students via the Brain Bee

The science, technology, engineering, and math (STEM) fields are often underrepresented due to lack of interest or exposure. The Brain Bee is a neuroscience competition for high school students meant to inspire future leaders in the neurosciences. A regional Brain Bee competition hosted in West Virginia was led by medical students and neurology residents with the goal of increasing high school student interest in the neurosciences.

The West Virginia Brain Bee competition consisted of a neuroanatomy practical, a written exam, and a clinical assessment. Other fun neuroscience educational activities were also offered to students throughout the competition day. Students were surveyed before and after the competition day.

Student interest in pursuing a neuroscience career increased (3.24 to 3.58, p = 0.043), and confidence in neuroscience knowledge increased (2.88 to 3.12, p = 0.036). Qualitative assessment revealed the importance of role models and a supportive environment for student learning.

The West Virginia Brain Bee increased high school student interest in and confidence of neuroscience knowledge. This competition may be a meaningful way to connect high school students with potential mentors in the neurosciences and may also help foster an interest in pursuing a career in the neurosciences in the future.