Linkages between youth diversity and organizational and program characteristics of out-of-school-time science programs: a mixed-methods study

ABSTRACT

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.

KEYWORDS:

• Equity
• informal education
• learning activities

Acknowledgments

We thank Annette Brickley for research assistance and Linda Hardesty and Jim Hickam for technical assistance. We acknowledge Robert Tai for helpful conversations. Several individuals offered expert advice at crucial junctures: Jamie Alonzo, Kathleen Archuleta, Pam Garza, Andrea Hamilton, Sylvia James, Anita Krishnamurthi, Gabe Lyon, Karen Peterson, Irene Porro, Cary Sneider, Marley Steele-Inama, Maryann Stimmer, Carol Tang, and Kathleen Traphagen. Many others provided valuable feedback and assistance along the way.

Disclosure statement

No potential conflict of interest was reported by the authors.

ORCID

Sandra Laursen http://orcid.org/0000-0002-4327-9887

Additional information

Funding

This study was supported by the Noyce Foundation and by the National Science Foundation under award DRL-1010953. Any opinions, findings, conclusions, or recommendations expressed here are those of the researchers, and do not represent the official views, opinions, or policy of the National Science Foundation or the Noyce Foundation.