STEM careers are expected to grow rapidly during the next decade. Due to course hurdles and challenges, many STEM applicants switch to non-STEM fields, perform poorly, or drop out of college without a degree. This study examined STEM career academic performance and perceived barriers using a descriptive quantitative research design. It is exclusively eligible to San Antonio De Padua College 10th graders who will be entering senior high school in 2023. They average 16 years old. This examines students views on STEM careers barriers The respondents in this study were 100 junior high school students at San Antonio de Padua College and they were selected via purposive sampling. The research instrument used in this study is a self-made, expert-validated survey questionnaire. Each indicator has five remarks about perceived barriers. The data was computed and analyzed using percentage, mean, standard deviation, and Pearson r correlation. The study revealed that students were greatly influenced by the barriers and struggled to decide whether to pursue STEM careers. It was also shown that the gender of the respondents had a strong association with the students academic performance. However, respondents age and family income were shown to have no significant relationship with students academic performance. Furthermore, the study discovered that students interest, self-motivation, and self-efficacy have a substantial association with their academic performance. It follows that the three variables indicated are inversely proportional to students academic performance. Peer Influence, on the other hand, was found to have no significant relationship with students academic performance. The study suggests and recommends that students considering a career in one of the STEM fields become acquainted with the field by reading relevant articles and watching relevant video tutorials. Furthermore, students should gain self-confidence and a profound appreciation for the STEM concepts offered. It also suggests that teachers and administrators should use a wide range of strategies and activities to help students understand scientific and mathematical concepts. Future researchers may include additional perceived barriers not mentioned in the current study.

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