Experiencing STEM Firsthand: Bridging the Gap Between Science Learning and Careers With Philadelphia Students

• In Event: Community, Industry, and Research Partnerships Can Shift the Science, Technology, and Entrepreneurship Workforce in Philadelphia

Abstract

Many Black and Hispanic communities face systematic and historical educational hurdles that hinder preparation for and entrance into STEM fields, especially in Philadelphia. U.S. Census Data shows that 32.7% of Philadelphia youth live below the federal poverty level (U.S. Census Bureau, 2021). In February 2023, a Pennsylvania judge ruled that the state’s funding “violates students’ constitutional rights” and that students of families who live in areas such as Philadelphia are “deprived of the same opportunities and resources as students who reside in school districts with high property values and incomes” (Public Interest Law Center, 2023). This limited funding in schools that need funding the most causes overcrowded classrooms, limited resources, and a high teacher and principal turnover rate – all of which negatively impact student learning.
FirstHand aims to supplement classroom learning by providing free, year-long, out-of-school science programming to middle and high-school-aged students in Philadelphia. FirstHand is a program of the University City Science Center, the oldest and largest urban research park in the United States (Puckett, 2022). Middle school programs are focused on piquing students’ STEM interests, and high school programs are designed to provide authentic career exposure through paid training opportunities. FirstHand’s conceptual framework is that scientific knowledge is gained through doing science and by engaging in practices that scientists do, such as asking questions, planning investigations, analyzing and interpreting data, and obtaining and communicating information. FirstHand students regularly practice these skills throughout the program. FirstHand builds belonging in and valuing of science and an increased scientific self-efficacy via 1) hands-on STEM learning experiences, 2) an immersive, place-based learning lab centered in Philadelphia’s thriving STEM ecosystem, and 3) industry-relevant mentoring.
All FirstHand programs rely on strong relationships with “mentor companies” to ensure the delivery of curricula authentic to the STEM fields students may want to enter. In this session, FirstHand will highlight its collaboration with mentor company Integral Molecular and, together, will share stories of leveraging partnerships with local industry to enhance student learning and feelings of belonging in the Philadelphia STEM workforce. Integral Molecular has been mentoring with FirstHand since 2014, the program's first year, providing over 95 hours of volunteerism.
This work is supported by external evaluators at AnLar, who have (1) observed each instance of the middle-school program across ten weeks to assess program quality using a reliable and valid observational assessment known as the STEM Program Quality Assessment (PQA), (2) surveyed program facilitators and mentors to explore their perceptions of and experiences in the program, and (3) interviewed small groups of students to understand their perspectives of the program, sense of belonging in science, and beliefs about the value of science. The student interviews revealed that students reported a deeper understanding of the real-world relevance of science and a stronger sense of belonging in science due to their participation. They primarily credited the hands-on and applied learning they experienced and the learning climate facilitated by FirstHand’s staff and mentors.

Authors

• Maya Heiland, Science Center

• Melissa Kurman, University City Science Center

• Paige Murphy