Evaluating the Outcomes of Fashion FUNdamentals: A STEM Education Program for Middle School Girls

Thumbnail Image
Date
2016-11-09
Authors
Hyllegard, Karen
Ogle, Jennifer
Rambo-Hernandez, Karen
Major Professor
Advisor
Committee Member
Journal Title
Journal ISSN
Volume Title
Publisher
Abstract

The purpose of this work was to evaluate the outcomes of Fashion FUNdamentals, a youth enrichment program that invokes fashion as a catalyst to ignite middle school girls' interest in STEM learning. FF is a two-week, no-cost, summer program (M-F, 9 am-5 pm) that targets underserved middle school girls (aged 11-14). The program addresses the multifaceted educational and developmental needs of middle school girls through both technical programming (i.e., STEM-based education in fiber/textile science; digital textile printing; apparel engineering; and apparel costing and pricing) and social programming (i.e., esteem-based education in body image/media literacy, nutrition, physical activity, anti-bullying, and Internet safety). Findings provide evidence that Fashion FUNdamentals has the potential to build girls' interest in math and science as well as their self-esteem. Girls who enter the program with either low or high self-esteem may benefit from participation relative to increased interest as an outcome.

Series Number
Journal Issue
Is Version Of
Versions
Academic or Administrative Unit
Type
event
Comments
Rights Statement
Copyright
Funding
Subject Categories
DOI
Supplemental Resources
Source