Partnership Development and Planning for STEM Certification in Out-of-School Learning

NSF Award Search · 04002526DB NSF STEM Education · $150,000 · view on nsf.gov ↗

Abstract

Studies indicate that informal learning settings such as out-of-school learning (OSL) programs, including afterschool and summer learning programs, can support K-12 students' learning in science, technology, math, and science (STEM) as well as enhance youth career interests in STEM. This project seeks to model how two organizations, the Center for Education Integrating Science, Mathematics, and Computing (CEISMC) at Georgia Tech and Georgia Statewide Afterschool Network (GSAN), can partner together to understand the experiences of OSL educators and associated organizations related to STEM programming for youth. Over the course of the project, the activities will identify both the STEM professional development needs of OSL educators and create a plan of action to address them. This robust process will result in a plan for professional development that will ultimately support OSL educators as well as access to quality STEM education and learning for K-12 students who attend these OSL programs. This Partnership Development and Planning project is focused on determining the STEM professional development needs of the OSL educators in Georgia. Using Rogers et al.'s (n.d.) Strategic Partnering Conceptual Framework, which encourages intentionality and reflexivity of partners, the team will deepen mutual understandings, partnerships, and research and development capacity among stakeholders. A purposive sampling method will be used to gather a range of perspectives from educat

Key facts

NSF award ID
2517445
Awardee
Georgia Tech Research Corporation (GA)
SAM.gov UEI
EMW9FC8J3HN4
PI
Sirocus Barnes
Primary program
04002526DB NSF STEM Education
All programs
Translational Research, Broaden Particip STEM Resrch, STEM Learning & Learning Environments
Estimated total
$150,000
Funds obligated
$150,000
Transaction type
Standard Grant
Period
09/01/2025 → 08/31/2026