Staying in Science was an NSF-funded study exploring how formative science experiences impacted the pathways of STEM-interested students from underrepresented groups. By identifying key supports and obstacles in these youths’ pathways towards STEM careers, this study sought to help practitioners design more inclusive and equitable STEM learning experiences and supports.
SRI, with the American Museum of Natural History, focused on 900 urban youth involved in a STEM research mentoring program. Using longitudinal social network and survey data, interviews and case studies, and matched student data from the New York City Public Schools’ records, researchers examed how participation in scientists’ communities of practice impacted the development of youths’ social networks, and the role of those networks in youths’ STEM pathways after high school. This project was supported by NSF’s EHR Core Research (ECR) program, which emphasized fundamental STEM education research that generates foundational knowledge in the field.
Principal Investigator: Tim Podkul
NSF Award Details
Populations: Students of color
Services: Research and evaluation