Science Museums as Critical Partners

Abstract

Informal science learning institutions provide an invaluable resource to supplement science knowledge and excite people about STEM fields. However, not everyone has access to these resources. The reduced access and opportunities in low-income communities has life-long implications on educational and professional accomplishments. This chapter describes insights gained through a nearly three-decade journey of initiatives geared at addressing disparities of who visits museums and who participates in out-of-school-time programming. We begin the chapter with an investigation of the income disparities related to out-of-school-time learning opportunities. We further expand on this by detailing the components of building a strong science identity and acceptance within the field. Most of the chapter is a case study of one out-of-school-time program and the techniques we used to guide low-income youth and youth of color toward developing strong science identities and excitement about science. We close with suggestions related to making the informal learning center welcoming to underrepresented individuals in STEM fields. Ultimately we make the case that informal science learning institutions remain a relatively under-utilized community resource available to help close the STEM participation gap between low-income students of color, and their higher socio-economic peers. Additionally, these institutions may be a key resource to help close gaps created by income level in the STEM fields and the higher education community.