EDC to Lead Evaluation of STEAM Equity Initiative

EDC has been selected to evaluate the impact of the STAR Net STEAM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Art, and Mathematics) Equity Project on Latino preteens in small, rural communities.

Over five years, EDC will study STAR Net STEAM Equity’s work to bring culturally inclusive STEAM programs and exhibitions to 12 public libraries in rural regions. The project’s goal is to help libraries support Latino families in enhancing preteens’ informal STEAM learning.

EDC’s evaluation will examine whether and how STAR Net STEAM activities build the capacity of libraries to:

• Understand and address the needs of their communities in culturally and linguistically responsive ways
• Develop STEAM learning spaces and deliver informal STEAM programming that reaches Latino patrons in rural communities

Funded by the National Science Foundation, STAR Net STEAM is an initiative of the National Center for Interactive Learning at the Space Science Institute (SSI), the American Library Association (ALA), Twin Cities PBS, and the Institute for Learning Innovation (ILI). Previously, EDC evaluated a related SSI and ALA project, NASA@ My Library.

“This is an important effort to ensure all young people can access high-quality, informal STEAM learning,” said Ginger Fitzhugh, the project’s principal investigator. “We look forward to continuing to serve as an evaluation partner to SSI and ALA.”