Outcomes from a STEM Education Program for Elementary School Students in Medically Underserved Areas and Populations

Area of Science:

• Biomedical Sciences
• Education Research
• Public Health

Background:

• Early exposure to STEM can reduce disparities in health and biomedical careers.
• Medically underserved populations (MUA/P) benefit from targeted STEM engagement.
• Cancer disparities can be addressed by inspiring future health professionals from diverse backgrounds.

Purpose of the Study:

• To evaluate the Young Scholars Program's (YSP) impact on elementary students from Title I schools.
• To assess changes in students' inventive learning, sense of belonging in STEM, and STEM interest.
• To explore the effectiveness of maker education in cancer biology and prevention learning.

Main Methods:

• Mixed-methods evaluation of the YSP involving 432 elementary students from Title I schools.
• Data collection included exit tickets, evaluation surveys, and qualitative reflections.
• Analysis compared pre- and post-program outcomes, including matched survey data.

Main Results:

• Nearly all students reported practicing as scientists (99%) and engineers (98%).
• High knowledge retention (88-96%) of cancer biology and prevention concepts.
• Significant improvements in inventive learning (90%), STEM belonging (92%), and STEM interest (81%).
• Qualitative data highlighted initiative (48%), skill-building (19%), and teamwork (17%) as key takeaways.

Conclusions:

• The YSP effectively strengthened students' STEM identity and comprehension of cancer concepts.
• Hands-on, culturally relevant instruction fostered initiative, collaboration, and a sense of belonging.
• Community-based STEM programs like YSP are promising for early engagement and workforce diversification.