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Peer-reviewed article

Staff matter: Gender differences in science, technology, engineering or math (STEM) career interest development in adolescent youth

January 24, 2018 | Public Programs
We explore the understudied role of program staff in an out-of-school time (OST) program at a large science museum, which may be especially relevant for supporting underrepresented minority (URM) youth’s interest in science, technology, engineering, or math (STEM) careers. Using a sequential explanatory mixed-method design, we surveyed 167 program alumni on their science attitudes, career interests, and memories about how the program compared to experiences at home, school, and with friends. We followed that with 49 interviews with alumni. Findings show that, while in the program, alumni who identify as women reported a much greater increase in their STEM career interest than those who identify as men. Interviews suggest this may be related to different types of staff relationships between the genders. We interpret results through the lens of positive youth development and offer recommendations for OST program providers and researchers.

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  • AaronPrice 049 300h
    Author
    Museum of Science and Industry
  • Faith Kares
    Author
    Museum of Science and Industry
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  • Aerika Brittian Loyd
    Author
    University of Illinois at Chicago
  • Citation

    DOI : 10.1080/10888691.2017.1398090
    Publication Name: Applied Developmental Science

    Funders

    NSF
    Funding Program: AISL
    Award Number: 1514593
    Funding Amount: $785,638.00
    Other
    Funding Program: National Institute of Child Health and Human Development (NICHD) and the National Institutes of Health Office of Research on Women’s Health (ORWH)
    Award Number: K12HD055892
    Resource Type: Research Products | Literature Review
    Discipline: Education and learning science | General STEM
    Audience: Youth/Teen (up to 17) | Educators/Teachers | Museum/ISE Professionals | Evaluators | Learning Researchers
    Environment Type: Public Programs | Afterschool Programs | Museum and Science Center Programs
    Access and Inclusion: Women and Girls

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