This research, led by Simon Chau, studied the impact of high school STEM education on Chinese students’ post-secondary studies. By examining factors such as the quality of STEM teaching and resources, the project seeks to uncover the decisive factors that lead students into or out of STEM fields for higher education. Chau’s research delves into how STEM education differs across regions and school types, aiming to identify and reduce barriers faced by underrepresented and disadvantaged groups. Through a comprehensive analysis of data collected from surveys and interviews with students and educators, the project aims to provide insights into how STEM education can be enhanced to create a more diverse and capable STEM workforce. This work not only contributes to the academic discussion of STEM education, but also has practical implications for policy formulation and curriculum development, intending to achieve a more equitable and effective education landscape in China.