Arizona’s SciTech Community Receives $1 Million Grant From National Science Foundation to Develop STEM Learning Opportunities for People with Autism Spectrum Disorder

The National Science Foundation (NSF) has awarded a grant valued at over $1 million to the Institute for Learning Innovation (ILI), in partnership with SciTech Institute and the Southwest Autism Research & Resource Center (SARRC). The grant will be used to foster engagement in science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM) learning and social interaction for individuals with autism spectrum disorder (ASD).

To accomplish the project’s goals, custom professional development education and evidenced-based programming is being developed for practitioners working in informal STEM learning institutions such as museums, science and nature centers, zoos, and aquariums. The first phase, running through February 2023, is part of a three-phase longitudinal study. Initial informal STEM learning collaborators include the Arizona Museum of Natural History, i.d.e.a. Museum, Pueblo Grande Museum and Arizona Science Center.

“Over the past two decades, the prevalence of autism spectrum disorder has nearly tripled and yet there is much to learn about serving this audience well,” said Judith Koke, ILI’s deputy director and director of Professional Development. “We are grateful to the NSF for allowing us to investigate this issue and create more inclusive opportunities for our community in Arizona. It’s a great first step in building a more inclusive informal STEM learning community on a national level.”

The project’s theory is that enabling people with ASD to participate in traditional, mainstream experiences will improve their motivation to seek out similar opportunities and build interpersonal skills critical to successful interaction in society, formal education and careers. In turn, this will help these individuals gain the skills and confidence needed to pursue STEM academically and professionally.

“This research program will improve museum and science centers so children who have autism — or really anyone — can have an enriched and inspiring experience,” said Dr. Christopher J. Smith, SARRC’s chief science officer. “Our ultimate goal is to share our approach across the country and help an entire generation of people with autism seek careers in STEM, if they so choose. People with autism should have the same opportunities as typical peers to have experiences that shape a successful future, and this project is a step in that direction.”

“The natural synergy we’ve developed with researchers and educators at local institutions and practitioners that work with people on the autism spectrum will go a long way in helping us achieve our goals for this worthy endeavor,” said Dr. Jeremy Babendure, SciTech Institute’s executive director and an ILI fellow. “Educators working in informal science institutions can better promote both social interaction and engagement in STEM education for individuals with autism.”

About the Institute for Learning Innovation

The Institute for Learning Innovation (ILI) is working to reshape the learning landscape by catalyzing innovation in lifelong, free-choice learning. Free-choice learning can and does happen anywhere, including sometimes in schools, but most commonly happens in places like museums, libraries, on the internet, on vacation, and while engaged in hobbies and other personal pursuits. ILI maintains a proven track record of advocating for a broader, more inclusive understanding of what constitutes public education. ILI strives to create a future rich with lifelong, free-choice learning opportunities for all. Learn more at https://www.instituteforlearninginnovation.org/.

About SARRC

Established in 1997, the Southwest Autism Research & Resource Center (SARRC) is an internationally recognized nonprofit that conducts innovative research, provides evidence-based practices, disseminates effective training and builds inclusive communities for individuals with autism and their families. SARRC is dedicated to autism research, education, evidence-based treatment, and community outreach. Additionally, SARRC is one of the only autism organizations in the world that provides a lifetime of services for individuals and their families while also conducting cutting edge research. Get to know SARRC at https://www.autismcenter.org/.

About SciTech Institute

A collaborative initiative of the Arizona Technology Council and Arizona Commerce Authority, the SciTech Institute is a nonprofit organization dedicated to supporting and strengthening STEM by enhancing and promoting awareness and engagement in Arizona and beyond. The Institute connects the STEM community and inspires individuals to engage in and pursue STEM-related educational and career pathways. Strong connections with civic and community organizations, business and industry, and pre-K-20 educational institutions, among others, allow SciTech Institute to serve as the catalyst for building world-class STEM education and workforce pathways. Visit https://scitechinstitute.org/ to see all STEM programming supported.