Project Summary

GET City is a youth-based program implemented by Michigan State University’s Colleges of Education and Engineering. The program is funded through the National Science Foundation (NSF) Information Technology Experiences for Students and Teachers (ITEST) grant program. A two-year, year-round program, GET City supports youth in learning to use advanced information technology skills to identify, investigate, and model solutions to urban energy problems at the Lansing Boys and Girls Club. The Education Alliance is conducting an evaluation study which will examine implementation challenges and successes as an ongoing investigation of program activities.

Through a quasi-experimental design, the Alliance is examining students’ technology experience prior to and after participating in the GET City program. The Alliance is also investigating the impact of Energy Mentors, experienced STEM professionals from the field, on participating students’ interest and motivation in STEM careers. The Alliance developed web-based tools that are integrated into the GET City curriculum to collect evaluation data ensuring that data collection does not detract from student learning opportunities.