DIY Universe: A Virtual Science Program for Summer Engagement

Target location: United States but students in any other country can have access to the resources

Target audience: Youth, ages 11-18, participating in out-of-school time programs, with a particular focus on groups that are under-represented in STEM (including groups focused on girls), and/or are financially disadvantaged.

The Christa McAuliffe Center for Integrated Science Learning will support the implementation of a virtual summer program (using a web-based program- DIY Universe) with youth from partner Out-of-School Time (OST) organizations serving economically-disadvantaged youth and youth under-represented in STEM. OST organizations play a vital role by providing youth with ways of discovering and exploring the world of STEM that complement the learning they experience during the school day. They often provide youth with access to enriching summer programming that can enhance their educational experience, address achievement gaps, and prevent learning loss.
The program would be offered for free to students and the grant would be used to offset staff costs for the program.