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Peer-reviewed article

Spatial inequalities leave micropolitan areas and Indigenous populations underserved by informal STEM learning institutions

October 9, 2020 | Public Programs

Informal learning institutions (ILIs) create opportunities to increase public understanding of science and promote increased inclusion of groups underrepresented in Science, Technology, Engineering, and Math (STEM) careers but are not equally distributed across the United States. We explore geographic gaps in the ILI landscape and identify three groups of underserved counties based on the interaction between population density and poverty percentage. Among ILIs, National Park Service lands, biological field stations, and marine laboratories occur in areas with the fewest sites for informal learning opportunities and have the greatest potential to reach underserved populations, particularly in rural or high poverty counties. Most counties that are underserved by ILIs occur in the Great Plains, the southeast, and the northwest. Furthermore, these counties have higher Indigenous populations who are underrepresented in STEM careers. These unexpected geographic gaps represent opportunities for investments in ILI offerings through collaborations and expansion of existing resources.

TEAM MEMBERS

  • Rachel A. Short
    Author
    Texas A&M University
  • StrumingerPicture small
    Author
    Texas A&M University
  • zarestky
    Author
    Colorado State University
  • James Pippin
    Author
    Texas A&M University
  • REVISE logo
    Author
    Texas A&M University
  • Lauren Vilen
    Author
    Colorado State University
  • A. Michelle Lawing
    Author
    Texas A&M University
  • Citation

    DOI : 10.1126/sciadv.abb3819
    Publication Name: Science Advances
    Volume: 6
    Number: 41

    Funders

    NSF
    Funding Program: AISL
    Award Number: 1713359
    NSF
    Funding Program: AISL
    Award Number: 1713351
    Resource Type: Research Products
    Discipline: Ecology, forestry, and agriculture | Education and learning science | General STEM | Life science
    Audience: General Public | Educators/Teachers | Museum/ISE Professionals | Scientists | Evaluators | Learning Researchers
    Environment Type: Public Programs | Citizen Science Programs | Park, Outdoor, and Garden Programs
    Access and Inclusion: Ethnic/Racial | Indigenous and Tribal Communities | Low Socioeconomic Status | Rural

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