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The Effects of Changes in STEM-Qualified Neighbors on Human Capital Formation

Abstract

This study leverages detailed geographic data to examine how changes in the share of STEM-qualified neighbors within a 100 × 100 square meter area influence children’s human capital formation. By tracking variations in the proportion of nearby adults with STEM qualifications, we measure the impact of increased local exposure to STEM professionals on early skill development and educational trajectories. Our findings show that an increase in the share of STEM-qualified neighbors significantly improves math performance in primary school for both boys and girls. However, the long-term effects are gender-specific: while greater exposure to both male and female STEM neighbors enhances early math skills, only an increase in female STEM-qualified neighbors raises the likelihood of girls pursuing science subjects in high school. By focusing on shifts in local STEM exposure, this study highlights how changes in neighborhood composition can shape children’s educational trajectories. The results underscore the role of high-skill professionals as community-based role models and suggest that shifts in neighborhood composition can shape long-term educational and labor market outcomes.

About Adrian Nieto

Adrian Nieto is an Assistant Professor and Browaldh scholar at the , and a Research Affiliate at . Previously, he was a Visiting Research Fellow at the  and at the , as well as a Postdoctoral researcher at the . He obtained his Ph.D. in Economics by the end of 2019 at the 8xav¸£Àûµ¼º½ of Nottingham.

His research interests primarily lie at the intersection of Labor Economics, Economics of Education, and Environmental Economics. 

Language

English

This is a free seminar. Registration is mandatory.