A recent study published in the Journal of Human Resources reveals that high school students participating in STEM pipeline programs are significantly more likely to enroll in and graduate from elite colleges. These programs, aimed at increasing diversity in STEM fields, have shown to boost potential earnings by 3% to 15%. The research, co-authored by Sarah Cohodes, an associate professor at the University of Michigan's Ford School of Public Policy, is the first to provide randomized evidence on the positive impact of STEM-focused summer programs on college success. The study highlights that underrepresented minority students, including Black, Hispanic, and Native American individuals, plan to major in STEM at rates comparable to their white peers but often switch away from these fields. The programs studied included personalized counseling and information sessions, leading to an increase in bachelor's degree attainment by 2 to 9 percentage points. Cohodes emphasizes the need for early intervention, suggesting that targeting students before they apply to college can enhance their chances of success in STEM disciplines. The findings advocate for increased federal investment in STEM education at earlier stages rather than solely focusing on higher education.