ERIC Number: EJ1137484
Record Type: Journal
Publication Date: 2017
Pages: 25
Abstractor: As Provided
ISBN: N/A
ISSN: ISSN-2154-8455
EISSN: N/A
Linkages between Youth Diversity and Organizational and Program Characteristics of Out-of-School-Time Science Programs: A Mixed-Methods Study
Thiry, Heather; Archie, Timothy; Arreola-Pena, Melissa; Laursen, Sandra
International Journal of Science Education, Part B: Communication and Public Engagement, v7 n2 p121-145 2017
Science opportunities in out-of-school time (OST) programs hold potential for expanding access to science, engineering, and technology (SET) pathways for populations that have not participated in these fields at equitable rates (Coalition for Science After School, 2014). This mixed-methods study examines the relationship between the diversity of youth participants and the organizational and program design features of a broad sample of SET-focused OST programs in the USA. Overall, many programs in our study appeared to deliver high-quality programming by providing immersive experiences for youth that included inquiry-based learning and positive youth development. Encouragingly, many programs served large numbers of underrepresented minority youth and girls and these programs often showed the most numerous indicators of high-quality learning experiences. While location and a diversity-oriented organizational mission were related to youth diversity, highly diverse programs enacted their mission by developing partnerships, engaging communities, local leaders, and families, and delivering long-term, supportive programs for youth. Thus, SET-focused OST programs hold great promise in promoting broad access to rich science experiences, yet specific programmatic and organizational features are highly related to the diversity of youth participants.
Descriptors: Mixed Methods Research, After School Programs, Science Activities, STEM Education, Science Careers, Science Interests, Disproportionate Representation, Females, Youth, Minority Group Students, Questionnaires, Youth Programs, Semi Structured Interviews, Partnerships in Education, Institutional Mission, Student Diversity, Science Education
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Publication Type: Journal Articles; Reports - Research
Education Level: N/A
Audience: N/A
Language: English
Sponsor: National Science Foundation (NSF)
Authoring Institution: N/A
Grant or Contract Numbers: DRL1010953