(P23-009-24) Reaching Out to Advance Diversity in Science (ROADS) by Constructing Underserved Pathways to Careers in Food, Agriculture, Consumerism Technology, and Sciences (FACTS)

Objectives: ROADS to FACTS summer camp was designed to teach high school students about STEM (science, technology, engineering, and math) careers and offered them an opportunity to develop, practice and enhance college readiness.

Methods: 29 high school students participated in a 1-week residential summer camp on the campus of Northern Illinois University (NIU). University students and outreach program staff led many different camp activities focusing on food, health, engineering, and computer science. The campers also learned about the college application process, different universities to attend, and different STEM majors to pursue. Additionally, the campers experienced college life while staying overnight in the dormitories for the seven-day period. At the end of the camp, the campers filled out an evaluation survey including demographic questions, 20 Likert-scale questions assessing the camp experience, and 6 open ended questions to provide qualitative feedback about the camp.

Results: Camp participants were 62% females, 31% identified as Black, and 48% identified as Hispanics. The students had a positive and rewarding experience as indicated by majority of the campers (70%) selecting agree and strongly agree for the Likert scale questions. They enjoyed learning about food science and health careers, meeting new people, participating in field trips and other interactive activities, and experiencing college/dorm life. Majority of the campers expressed interest in pursuing nutrition and health related majors in college and are planning to seek admission in in-state universities with NIU being the most popular choice (50% campers).

Conclusions: ROADS to FACTS camp brought together high school students that are passionate and wanted to learn more about STEM programs. The camp allowed students to participate in engaging activities, learn about new careers, and make new connections. Some students enjoyed the program more than others but the majority of students enjoyed their experience at the camp. The constructive feedback about the camp based on participants’ experience can be used to improve the program for future implementation.

Funding Sources: Funded by the USDA NIFA Secondary Education, Two-Year Postsecondary Education, and Agriculture in the K-12 Classroom Challenge Grants program (SPECA).