Chapter 3: Green Works in Service Learning and Stem Workforce Development for Urban Youth

This study investigated the effectiveness of informal science learning opportunities for underserved youth. Green Works, in Kansas City, Missouri, was designed firstly as a phase-two program evaluation using an initial evaluation as a foundation and then, secondly, using Fuzzy cognitive mapping (FCM) as a process to elicit from youth participants how Green Works helps them meet their goals. Anecdotal evidence of Green Works’ success exists for the youth and for their families and neighborhoods. Through student interviews using FCM as a research methodology, we identify promising practices that have led to desired outcomes for the urban youth and their community. Green Works educated urban high school students about Kansas City’s environmen tal challenges, involved them in service learning projects that improved their community, prepared them for postsecondary education and the STEM workforce, and connected them to opportunities in the growing green economy. The service learning best practices included involving STEM professionals, locating a majority of the service learning projects in the students’ communities, choosing significant projects that tied directly to the curriculum and city priorities, and finding ways for the students to reflect, to write on the project, and to share the results with their friends and family.