Evaluation of Exploring Career Connections
Project Director:
Other Staff:
Funded by:
U.S. Department of Labor
Partners:
STEM Next Opportunity Fund
Services:
Research & Evaluation
Region:
United States
Duration:
2025-Present
Challenge
Many youth have limited access to career exploration opportunities and clear pathways into STEM-related fields. While out-of-school time (OST) programs aim to support young people’s career learning, many programs face barriers such as inconsistent partnerships with workforce organizations, uneven implementation across sites, and limited structures for using data to guide decisions. These challenges can make it difficult for youth to build durable skills, learn about career options, and connect with supportive adults and employers.
To advance knowledge of strategies to improve access to career readiness experiences for youth, EDC is leading an evaluation of the STEM Next Opportunity Fund’s (STEM Next) Exploring Career Connections (EC2) project. As the external evaluator, EDC is examining how EC2’s approach supports a more consistent, effective, and sustainable pathway for young people exploring their futures.
Key Activities
EDC’s evaluation team is carrying out the following activities:
- Gather data across affiliates through surveys, interviews, focus groups, and reviews of program materials to understand implementation, partnerships, and youth experiences
- Analyze qualitative and quantitative data to identify patterns, early outcomes, barriers, and promising practices that inform improvement and sustainability
- Assess fidelity and variation in implementation across affiliate sites
Our Impact
EDC’s evaluation of the project will:
- Provide new insights into a promising strategy to create interest in and pathways to STEM-related careers for over 500 youths in Idaho, Missouri, Nebraska, North Carolina, South Carolina, and South Dakota.
