Fostering Parent Support to Encourage Middle School Girls in STEM Learning

• In Event: Fostering Youth-Adult Partnerships Through Out-of-School Time

Abstract

Research has documented the importance of parent engagement for youth STEM learning. To encourage middle-school girls to participate in out-of-school time STEM activities, we have been designing and studying a parent network in a racially diverse, mid-size city. In this paper, we report on one year of events designed to build a supportive parent network. Analyzing field notes and survey responses, we found that parent events provided an inclusive community and opportunities to enhance learning support roles (e.g., learning broker, STEM advocate). Parents played learning support roles more often at the end of the year, despite barriers such as limited English proficiency. Findings highlight the importance of parent networking activities in supporting girls in STEM.

Authors

• Bo Ju, DePaul University

• Denise Nacu, DePaul University

• Sheena Erete, DePaul University

• Nichole Pinkard, Northwestern University