Curiosity Academy is a year-long afterschool STEM program for middle school girls in Flint, Michigan and surrounding areas. In two years of programming, parents and directors alike have discovered that the program is significantly more than an educational opportunity. Outreach programs are also about providing a space where participants can develop friendships, communication skills, and overall confidence. Fostering these unexpected and intangible outcomes has proven to be a challenge to surmount. Furthermore, metrics are needed to determine which methods are the most effective. This presentation will explore Curiosity Academy’s key tools for curriculum design to cultivate self-development and friendships. Finally, directors will use previous evaluation experiences to provide suggestions for effective, accurate assessment.

Unexpected outcomes: Development and evaluation of STEM programs that promote confidence and build friendships

253rd National Meeting (2017)

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