For the National Science Foundation, Abt Global is carrying out a study to inform an actionable evaluation and research agenda about how most effectively to use volunteers to engage students in STEM, enhance students’ interest and commitment to STEM education and careers, and ignite STEM professionals’ participation and engagement in outreach to our nation’s K-12 students. This one-year study includes:

• A careful research review of current research on using volunteers to inspire students’ interest and capacity in STEM-related subjects;
• An invited workshop of selected STEM education researchers and practitioners as well as policy makers to identify subsequent research and evaluation priorities for agencies that fund the STEM AmeriCorps; and
• A summary of the workshop outlining an evaluation agenda.