Long-Term Impact of Teen Science Cafes: Results of a Pilot Study with Cafe Scientifique New Mexico

A Teen Science Café is an out-of-school program that brings together teens and science professionals to engage in discussion and activities related to the scientist’s work.  The Cafés are highly interactive, incorporating hands-on activities and discussion with scientists; each is co-organized by an adult and a group of Teen Leaders.  The model was developed and refined in several different locations in New Mexico between 2008 and 2010.

This pilot study took advantage of the 10-year history of Café Sci NM, and sought to answer the question: What are the long-term influences of participation on alumni’s academic, professional, and personal trajectories?  The study used a retrospective approach to tap into the memories and life experiences of alumni.  Phase 1 was a survey of alumni known to have participated regularly between 2008 and 2010 (n=57); Phase 2 included follow-up interviews and focus group discussions with 11 alumni who represented a range of experiences.  This report presents findings about alumni's recollections of their experiences with the program, where they ended up in terms of schooling and careers, the degree to which they felt Cafe Sci impacted their schooling, career choices, and other aspects of their early adult lives.