Replicating or franchising a STEM afterschool program model: core elements of programmatic integrity.

Area of Science:

• STEM Education
• Professional Development
• Out-of-School Time Programs

Background:

• NE STEM 4U is a professional development program established in 2013 for post-secondary students.
• It facilitates inquiry-based learning for K-8 youth (ages 5-14) in out-of-school settings.
• The study assesses the model's replicability and core elements for fidelity.

Purpose of the Study:

• To determine if the NE STEM 4U model is replicable.
• To identify essential core elements for maintaining program fidelity during replication.
• To assess if the program's success is dependent on specific settings or participant types.

Main Methods:

• Strategic expansion to diverse institutional types (R1, R2, predominantly undergraduate) and geographical locations (rural, urban).
• Inclusion of various school district partners (large and small).
• Analysis of focus group data (n=16) and reflection surveys (n=12) to identify emergent themes.

Main Results:

• Program fidelity and replicability depend on four core elements: intentional programming, staff quality, effective partnerships, and program evaluation.
• Key emergent themes cited by mentors include flexibility (21.22%), student engagement (19.53%), classroom management (19.31%), and communication (15.71%).
• Youth Program Quality Assessment (YPQA) results indicate successful program quality replication in a 'franchise' location.

Conclusions:

• The NE STEM 4U program's core elements support its strategic replication as a potential international model.
• Findings emphasize the program's success in expanding professional development for post-secondary students and delivering STEM opportunities for youth.
• The study highlights the program's adaptability and effectiveness across varied environments.