PPD-DEI: Supporting Youth with Disabilities in Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics: The SIU SY-STEM Project

Southern Illinois University At Carbondale, Carbondale IL

Investigators

Abstract

This project will contribute to our nation's capacity for increasing the number of people with disabilities employed in the science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) work force by demonstrating the effectiveness of an innovative combination of person centered career planning activities, ongoing mentoring, and hands on experiences in the sciences. This combination of activities is designed to 1.) increase recognition of the interests and needs of students with disabilities in the STEM career areas, 2.) create a more supportive academic and professional climate for persons with disabilities, 3.) promote accessibility and appropriateness of instructional materials and educational technologies at multiple levels (high school, community college, and university), and 4.) increase the availability of academic enrichment experiences such as mentoring and hands-on experiences in the STEM areas. To meet these broad goals, the SIU SY-STEM project will: *Identify students' preferences and interests for specific STEM-related career areas. *Increase receptivity of educators (secondary and post-secondary math and science educators) and of guidance counselors for including of students with disabilities in STEM-related curriculum experiences. *Impact adaptations, accommodations, and instructional strategies used by educators in STEM classes and labs at multiple levels. *Foster academic and professional development in STEM related career areas by increased access to career exploration experiences and mentoring. A fundamental premise of this project is that the best way to impact employment of persons with disabilities in the sciences is by simultaneously increasing the numbers of people in the pipeline leading to these careers and enhancing the capacity of secondary and post-secondary training institutions to successfully include students with disabilities. Twenty-five teams of students, parents, educators, and guidance counselors from 25 high schools in southern Illinois will participate in intensive one-day workshops on person centered career planning. From these 25 student teams, six students will be selected to participate in an intensive, on-campus Summer Institute at Southern Illinois University. This Institute will expose students to a variety of careers in the sciences and engage them in a series of rotations in various lab sciences. University students with disabilities will be recruited to work in close affiliation with a graduate student mentor and faculty mentors to provide ongoing support for the workshop and Institute participants. The SIU SY-STEM project will impact involvement of persons with disabilities in STEM areas of study at multiple levels, including the personal and professional development of high school and college students with disabilities, and changes in the educational resources, willingness, and capacity to support these students in high school, community college, and university programs. Although this project is designed as a regional demonstration involving high schools, consortia of community colleges, and Southern Illinois University, it is the intention of the applicant to sustain this initiative by building broader, more comprehensive regional/national networks and alliances. To that end, the project includes a comprehensive evaluation component and widespread dissemination plan.