Author ORCID Identifier

Jayson Seaman - 0000-0001-6555-6171

Abstract

This article describes methods and findings from a study focused on youth living in rural communities in northern New Hampshire who struggle with accessing STEM learning opportunities for reasons including economic underinvestment and geographical isolation. These challenges also negatively impact researchers hoping to learn how rural youth benefit from informal STEM learning experiences, which contribute to low-project participation and retention rates. As in other amenity-rich rural areas, the communities in this study are promoting outdoor recreation as a vehicle for economic development. We wanted to understand if outdoor recreation activities tied to economic growth initiatives — activities which youth have ready access to — show promise as a context for informal STEM learning. This article describes the unique research methodologies used in the study, including a mobile application designed around the Universal Design for Learning (UDL) framework. It also highlights the UDL strategies used to employ youth as co-researchers. While multiple factors contributed to the 96% retention rate in this project, the use of the UDL-based mobile app was significant, novel, and holds promise as a future strategy for increasing rural youths’ engagement in STEM career and identity development activities.

Date Created

03-07-2024

Department

New Hampshire Youth Retention Initiative

Publication Date

Spring 2024

Grant/Award Number and Agency

National Science Foundation Award #2213919

Journal Title

Connected Science Learning

Publisher

Taylor & Francis

Document Type

Article

Comments

This is a submitted version of a forthcoming article in the journal Connected Science Learning. See: https://www.nsta.org/connected-science-learning

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