| Title: |
Informal STEM Learning for Rural Teens: Focusing on First Responders |
| Language: |
English |
| Authors: |
Kastelein, Kate; Atkinson, Jennifer; Byrd, Scott; Allen, Sue |
| Source: |
Journal of STEM Outreach. Aug 2020 3(1). |
| Availability: |
Journal of STEM Outreach. PMB 0367, 230 Appleton Place, Nashville, TN 37203. e-mail: jstemoutreach@vanderbilt.edu; Web site: https://www.jstemoutreach.org/ |
| Peer Reviewed: |
Y |
| Page Count: |
7 |
| Publication Date: |
2020 |
| Sponsoring Agency: |
National Science Foundation (NSF) |
| Contract Number: |
1322827 |
| Document Type: |
Journal Articles; Reports - Research |
| Descriptors: |
STEM Education; Rural Schools; After School Programs; Mentors; Youth Programs; Adolescents; Allied Health Personnel; Police; Emergency Medical Technicians; Fire Protection; Vocational Interests; Emergency Programs; Veterinary Medicine; Health Personnel |
| Geographic Terms: |
Maine |
| ISSN: |
2576-6767 |
| Abstract: |
We describe the adaptation of an existing afterschool STEM program in order to make it more relevant and effective for rural teens. The award-winning Teen Science Café (TSC) program was modified to redirect focus away from traditional, academic STEM careers toward STEM in First Response, a field whose members are common and visible in rural areas. The program was implemented and organized by TSC Mentors, local adults who connect youth with out-of-school STEM resources and professionals. We found that attendance at multiple TSCs had a significant impact on how youth viewed First Response in their community, as well as STEM careers in general. This work demonstrates that it is possible to find professionals with robust and exciting STEM expertise in rural areas, to adapt existing STEM program models to connect these professionals to rural teens, and to use these adapted models to help teens become more aware of the STEM opportunities in their communities and increase their interest in STEM First Response careers. |
| Abstractor: |
As Provided |
| Entry Date: |
2022 |
| Accession Number: |
EJ1337413 |
| Database: |
ERIC |