Department - Author 1

Liberal Arts and Engineering Studies Program

Degree Name - Author 1

BS in Journalism

Date

12-2016

Primary Advisor

Dan Eller

Abstract/Summary

The goal of this study was to improve corporate outreach efforts for an educational program called Starbase Los Alamitos. This Starbase program is part of a larger effort by the Department of Defense to improve STEM (science, technology, engineering, and mathematics) education in the United States.

This study was guided by the following research question: How can STEM programs use relationship management theory to improve corporate outreach? A review of the literature was performed and this study used relationship theory to design eight questions for a four person focus group. Control and treatment websites were identified. Participants were shown the control and treatment websites and then were asked the eight questions. The data was analyzed and then findings and recommendations were made.

At the conclusion of the study a presentation was made to the Director of Starbase Los Alamitos recommending the use of communications that intentionally fostered relationships with corporations rather than merely providing information. Appendix N contains the information that was presented to the Director.

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