Measuring the effectiveness of robotics activities in underserved K-­12 communities outside the classroom

Abstract

Every day, at least eight million children and youth are left alone and unsupervised once the school bell rings. After-school hours are a critical time for youth. That time can represent either an opportunity to learn and grow, through quality after-school programs, or a time of risk to youth's health and safety. Students from underserved communities need exposure to real world situation and should be given such opportunities early in their education, to stay competitive in the world area of science, technology, engineering and math (STEM). Underserved students need more informal education opportunities based on science and technology that challenge young adults in STEM fields and connect them with the scientific and technology community.