Author: Linda Kekelis
Academic Year(s): 2012-13
Description: Techbridge is a multifaceted program designed to encourage girls in technology, science and engineering. Founded in 2000, in Oakland, California, the program served 233 girls during the 2012-2013 school year in 12 weekly after-school programs in Oakland Unified School District, San Lorenzo Unified School District, and Mount Diablo Unified School District. The majority of girls are in middle school, followed by elementary school and high school.
Evaluation is a central part of the Techbridge program. Findings from qualitative and quantitative evaluations are used to strengthen the program as well as determine how much difference the program makes in the lives of girls. Parents and teachers also report program effects that they have observed. The purpose of this report is to present quantitative evaluation findings based on data collected during the 2012-2013 school year.
This report presents findings from surveys with (1) Techbridge participants, (2) a control group of students not in Techbridge, (3) their parents/guardians, and (4) Techbridge teachers. The student report focuses on the post-survey administered in Spring 2013, and the changes from the pre-survey administered Fall 2012. By comparing data from these two surveys we can access changes in Techbridge participants’ experiences, beliefs and feelings about STEM activities and careers. The parent/guardian survey and teacher survey were administered in Spring 2013. When the data are analyzed and examined together with the student survey results, they provide a fuller picture of the impact of Techbridge on girls, their
families and teachers.