STEM Landscape Surveys

History of the STEM Landscape Survey​

The city-wide landscape survey was the first initiative of the STEM Co-op. It created the foundation on which this collective work has continued for more than 10 years since the survey was introduced in 2012. After a year-long study in which city-wide stakeholders were asked to share their knowledge of the state of STEM in out-of-school time in Chicago, the findings were presented and discussed with the final report published in June 2013. 

The results of that survey included:

  • More than 2,032 out-of-school STEM programs were run by more than 500 organizations in 2011
  • STEM and out-of-school time programs served an estimated 88,576 students
  • The greate number of programs targeted 6th-8th grade students
  • Programs served more girls than boys (56.2% and 43.8% respectively)
  • Latinos were underrepresented in programs compared to their representation in Chicago Public Schools
  • Libraries, museums, and universities were underutilized as program sites in the summer compared with the school year, while community-based organizations took on a larger role during the summer. 

The recommendations of the conference and resulting report, in short, included:

  • Create a citywide STEM pathways education agenda that leverages an out-of-school time clearinghouse and coordinator
  • Prioritize funding that enables organizations to collaborate and coordinate services and learning between and amongst youth organizations
  • Invest in data collection, data sharing and data analysis that will help support program collaboration, increased quality and longitudinal student outcomes related to persistence in STEM
  • Establish mechanisms that ensure structured, ongoing communication between CPS central office, individual schools, and OST STEM providers
  • Use data about the current landscape to set priorities
  • Reduce barriers to entry for underserved youth, particularly Latino youth and youth who struggle academically
  • Invest in building and strengthening relationships with parents, teachers, and networks of program providers who can serve as allies
  • Provide enhanced professional development

The subsequent decade resulted in significant investments in STEM education in Chicago and across the United States. However, we also witness barriers that have persisted or grew in the past decade. In particular, the Covid-19 pandemic exacerbated a number of disparities, and renewed investigation is imperative to understand how the landscape of STEM in out-of-school time has changed.

A New Landscape Survey is Underway

The STEM Co-op presently needs stakeholders engaged in STEM workforce development, education in the city of Chicago, and out-of-school programming to complete the landscape survey. Four versions of the survey are available: 

  • Workforce Development– Organizations that hold programming to train and prepare others for STEM careers
  • Employers– Companies & Organizations that employ anyone in a STEM capacity
  • Community-Based Organizations– Organizations that provide or support Out-of-school STEM programming
  • Schools– Chicago Public Schools, Charter Schools, Private Schools, and others

These survey results will be used to identify the STEM opportunities currently available to students and existing gaps in opportunities and resources. From there, the results will be used to guide new, collaborative initiatives to address gaps. Once finished, the survey results will be available to the public by way of a data dashboard that highlights the current State of STEM in Chicago. 

If you are unsure about which survey to complete, need help addressing the questions contained within, or want to learn more, please contact us.  

The City-Wide STEM Landscape Survey is made possible by: