Persistence in the Face of Challenges: Adolescent Girls' Engagement in Extracurricular Science

• In Event: 47.095 - MTCC Roundtable Session 19
  In Roundtable Session: 47.095-1 - Engaged Youth, Activist Youth: Perspectives for Youth-Centered Praxis

Abstract

Nurturing the development of science interest in adolescents has been identified as a key concern of educators, policy-makers, parents, and employers. Recent research has suggested that out of school experiences may be uniquely able to support science interest development for girls, who disengage from science in disproportionate numbers compared to boys. This study sought to explore factors that influence girls’ participation in extracurricular science. Focus group discussions were held with Bay Area high school girls who participate in extracurricular science. Findings suggest stress and social norms pose significant challenges to girls’ participation in science. Additionally, data suggest that access to opportunities, intrinsic motivators, and a sense of utility value may support girls’ continued interest and participation in science.

Author

• Stephanie Rafanelli, Stanford University