ICLS Poster
#675: STEM Interest as an Entry Point for OST Learning: A Case Study of the Boys & Girls Clubs of Garden Grove
Wed Jun 17, 4:15 PM–5:45 PM · Outdoors
STEM Education Informal, Community & Out-of-School Learning Motivation, Emotion & Engagement Identity, Belonging & Learner Agency
This paper examines how out-of-school-time (OST) organizations can leverage youth STEM interests as strategic entry points for sustained learning. Drawing on a case study of the Boys & Girls Clubs of Garden Grove, we describe the iterative development of interest survey tools to match youth interests with available programming and career pathways. Findings suggest that understanding and operationalizing youth interests requires careful attention to organizational capacity, differentiated mentorship, and intentional connections between interests, programs, and opportunities.
Speakers
- Maggie Dahn — Connected Learning Lab
- Kylie Peppler — UC Irvine
Authors
Kylie Peppler, Maggie Dahn, Seth Corrigan, Heather White