"I Want to Be Inspired by a Deaf Person": Deaf Teens at Summer STEM Camp

• In Event: 34.088 - Science Teaching and Learning SIG Paper Session: Equitable Education

Abstract

Deaf and hard of hearing (DHH) adults are underrepresented in STEM fields, possibly due to a lack of access to high level STEM content and absence of mentors who can effectively communicate with them in their youth. To understand the experiences of DHH teens who are interested in STEM, we conducted a mixed methods study focused on the academic performance of DHH youth who attended a summer STEM program, and on their perceptions of mentorship and the qualities they would desire in a mentor. Findings suggested that the participants’ academic performance spanned a wide range from below to far above grade level. Teens also shared detailed descriptions of the qualities that would make a mentor best suited to their needs.

Authors

• Jessica Scott, Georgia State University

• Maggie Renken, Georgia State University

• Patrick James Enderle, Georgia State University

• Scott Cohen, Georgia State University