ERIC Number: EJ1488312
Record Type: Journal
Publication Date: 2025
Pages: 7
Abstractor: As Provided
ISBN: N/A
ISSN: N/A
EISSN: EISSN-2475-8779
Available Date: 0000-00-00
Teen Leaders in Out of School Time Programming: Forging Pathways toward STEM Careers
Connected Science Learning, v7 n4 p86-92 2025
Teen Science Cafés are Out-of-School Time (OST) programs led by teens--for teens--underway at 84 sites in 34 states. Supported by a national network, a new teen leadership opportunity offered youth-focused training and collaborative opportunities to a cohort of 50 teens from 13 Café sites with the goal of sustaining and expanding the impact of Teen Science Cafés across local communities. Findings from the evaluation of the 2024 cohort indicate success at increasing the level of youth ownership of Café events and value in elevating the voice of teens in setting the trajectory for their Teen Science Café programs. A vast body of research affirms the value of OST programming, and layering quality STEM learning provides youth with opportunities to cultivate an interest in STEM, build relevant skills, and explore pathways toward in demand STEM careers. Teen Science Cafés are a long-standing teen program that has been proven to positively influence participants' attitudes toward science, including interest in science and science careers. The new Teen Catalyst program enhances that impact of regional Cafés while elevating youth leadership and ownership over their community's Teen Science Café. Details about the Teen Catalyst program and outcomes from the first year are shared.
Descriptors: Adolescents, Student Leadership, After School Programs, STEM Education, STEM Careers, Program Effectiveness, Program Implementation, Skill Development, Student Interests, Informal Education, Science Interests
Routledge. Available from: Taylor & Francis, Ltd. 530 Walnut Street Suite 850, Philadelphia, PA 19106. Tel: 800-354-1420; Tel: 215-625-8900; Fax: 215-207-0050; Web site: http://www.tandf.co.uk/journals
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: 2424451
Author Affiliations: 1Associate Director of Measurement and Evaluation, STEM Next Opportunity Fund, San Diego, CA; 2Principal, J. Sickler Consulting, Pittsburgh, PA; 3Director, Teen Science Café Network, STEM Next Opportunity Fund, San Diego, CA; 4President, Science Education Solutions, Los Alamos, NM

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