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Identifying Effective Workforce Strategies for High-Quality Out-of-School-Time STEM Programming

Principal Investigator

Georgia Hall – NIOST

Project Description

This study investigates the workforce conditions and strategies that support high-quality STEM programming in out-of-school-time (OST) settings, including after-school and summer programs. The study uses a mixed-methods design combining a nationally representative survey of approximately 4,000 OST program directors, secondary analysis of workforce survey data, case studies of innovative recruitment and training strategies, focus groups, and direct observations of program quality. The research examines how staffing practices, professional development, and program features relate to workforce outcomes such as recruitment, training effectiveness, and retention, as well as program quality. The study aims to generate actionable, field-building evidence to inform policies and practices that strengthen the OST STEM workforce and ultimately expand access to high-quality programming.

Research Questions

  • What are the key barriers and facilitators to hiring qualified OST STEM educators, and which strategies are most effective beyond compensation?
  • What types of training and professional development are most effective for improving educators’ ability to deliver high-quality STEM programming?
  • What features and supports of OST STEM programs are associated with stronger staff retention, job satisfaction, and overall workforce stability?

Status

In Progress

Study Type

Mixed-Methods Descriptive Study

Grantee

National Institute on Out-of-School Time (NIOST) at Wellesley College

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Young boy sits in desk at school

Courtesy of TalkingPoints

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