Building Supports Towards a Useful, Usable, and In-Use Framework of Professional Competencies in the Informal STEM Learning Field

This project developed professional learning resources to strengthen the Informal STEM Learning (ISL) workforce.

A collaboration between the Association of Science and Technology Centers (ASTC), COSI’s Center for Research and Evaluation (CRE), and the STEM Research Center at Oregon State University (OSU), this project built on an earlier ISL Professional Competency Framework. Informed by extensive research, the team updated the original Framework and added supporting tools to facilitate its application across a wider range of job roles and settings–including educators, exhibit developers, fundraisers, executives and others working in museums, parks, zoos, nonprofits, and other organizations that provide informal STEM learning.

The resulting resources, collectively packaged as “Professional Pathways in Informal STEM Learning” (or “Pathways,” for short) are freely available online at www.astc.org/isl-pathways.

The ISL field is uniquely positioned to engage people across a spectrum of beliefs, experiences, and identities to address pressing societal problems, particularly those related to science, technology, and innovation. That potential depends on a skilled ISL workforce. Research shows that the Framework and supporting tools developed as part of this project have perceived value for both individuals and organizations. Over time—and with increased use—these tools have the potential to open and expand the ISL workforce, while also supporting those in the workforce to discover and develop their own career pathways.