Evaluating the Impact of Science Outreach Programs on Student Engagement in Urban Schools

Thesis Abstract

The persistent decline in student interest and engagement in science subjects within urban secondary schools presents a significant challenge to STEM education and workforce development, necessitating effective strategies to foster increased participation and enthusiasm. This study aims to evaluate the impact of science outreach programs on student engagement levels in urban schools, with specific objectives to assess changes in students’ attitudes toward science, measure participation rates pre- and post-intervention, and explore perceptions of outreach program effectiveness among students and educators. Employing a mixed-methods research design, the study integrates quantitative surveys and qualitative interviews to provide comprehensive insights. The quantitative component involves a quasi-experimental pretest-posttest survey administered to a sample of 600 students across six urban secondary schools, selected through stratified random sampling to represent diverse socio-economic backgrounds. The survey instrument measures student attitudes toward science, perception of science relevance, and engagement behaviors, with validity established through expert review and a pilot study, and reliability confirmed via Cronbach’s alpha (? = 0.85). The qualitative component includes semi-structured interviews with 30 students and 15 science teachers, purposively sampled to capture varied experiences with outreach programs. Data analysis employs descriptive statistics, paired sample t-tests to examine pre- and post-intervention differences, and multiple regression analysis to identify predictors of increased engagement. Thematic analysis, guided by models such as Lave and Wenger’s Communities of Practice theory and Bandura’s Social Cognitive Theory, will interpret interview data. It is anticipated that the findings will demonstrate statistically significant improvements in students’ attitudes toward science, increased participation in science-related activities, and heightened perceived relevance of science topics following outreach interventions. Furthermore, qualitative insights are expected to reveal key factors influencing engagement, such as outreach program relevance, interactive activities, and perceived support from educators. This study contributes to existing literature by providing empirical evidence on the efficacy of targeted science outreach programs within urban contexts, highlighting specific program elements that facilitate student engagement, and extending understanding of how socio-economic and contextual factors influence outcomes. The results will inform policy and practice, guiding the design of more effective outreach initiatives and informing curriculum integration strategies that enhance STEM participation among urban youth. Based on the findings, the study recommends the development of sustained, contextually tailored outreach programs, increased collaboration between schools and science institutions, and ongoing professional development for educators to effectively utilize outreach experiences. It also suggests avenues for further research, including longitudinal studies to track long-term impacts and comparative analyses across different urban settings. Overall, this research underscores the importance of strategic outreach in revitalizing student interest in science and fostering equitable participation in STEM education, ultimately contributing to narrowing gaps in science literacy and workforce readiness in urban communities.