Evaluating the National Air and Space Museum’s STEAM Camp for Underrepresented Youth
Client: Smithsonian National Air and Space Museum | Location: Washington, D.C.
We measured the effectiveness of a summer camp designed by the Smithsonian’s National Air and Space Museum to empower underrepresented youth to succeed in STEAM.
OVERVIEW
In the summer of 2019, we worked with the Smithsonian’s National Air and Space Museum to evaluate the Soaring High Explorers (S.H.E.) Can STEAM Camp, which serves traditionally underserved youth in the District of Columbia, Maryland, and Virginia. We explored the effectiveness of the camp activities and facilitation strategies to boost participants’ confidence in STEAM and interest in aviation.
APPROACH
To provide a holistic understanding of camp participants’ experiences and interests, we used a mixed-methods approach, including ethnographies, pre- and post-camp participant surveys, and guardian surveys. Because 2019 was the second year that the Museum offered the camp, the evaluation questions were both formative and summative in nature.
CLIENT TAKEAWAYS
Through engaging hands-on activities and field trips, the S.H.E. Can Aviation STEAM Summer Camp was successful in exposing middle school participants to and sparking interest in a variety of aviation careers. Participants enjoyed the camp, particularly the opportunity to fly an actual airplane, experience iFly, and use the flight simulators. Further, we found that participants reported a greater interest in and awareness of the breadth of aviation careers at the end of camp than at the beginning.
