Participative Co-Creation: Engaging the Engineering Ambassador Community in the Development of a Research Agenda Workshop

• In Event: Marriott Roundtable Session 22
  In Roundtable Session: Developing Pathways to STEM Education and Careers

Abstract

Numerous student ambassador programs exist in universities across the country. In these programs, engineering students participate in outreach activities with K-12 schools. Ambassadors generally engage students in engineering activities, with the goal of fueling interest in engineering careers. This ambassador model gives K-12 students exposure to engineering through college-aged role models. Many programs conduct evaluations focused on the short term - measuring post-event engagement and excitement - but do not address their underlying purpose: strengthening the engineering pipeline.

In this project, researchers lay the foundation for strengthening assessment and efficacy by partnering with students, administrators, nonprofit organizations, and K-12 staff to (a) gain a robust understanding of the state of ambassador-led outreach and (b) develop a community-informed research agenda.

Authors

• Sandra Rodegher, Boston University

• Stacey Freeman, Boston University