P132 Pilot Year Evaluation of a STEAM and Nutrition Summer Program for Low-Income, Urban Youth

Abstract

<h3>Background</h3> Racially and ethnically diverse and low-income youth are more likely to experience academic and health-related disparities. The newly developed Project Science and Technology Reinforced by Innovative Dietary Education (Project stRIde) is a STEAM and nutrition summer camp program supported by a USDA CYFAR grant. It is designed for elementary-aged youth with the purpose of reinforcing content learned over the school year and improving dietary behaviors. <h3>Objective</h3> To conduct a process evaluation of the Project stRIde pilot program, assess needs for future camp staff implementation, assess post-lesson knowledge, and evaluate change in self-efficacy, attitudes towards STEAM, and skin carotenoid levels. <h3>Study Design, Setting, Participants</h3> The study used a mixed methods design to collect pre/post-test data for youth and interviews with staff. The program was delivered once a week for six weeks by nutrition and 4-H professionals to low-income, racially, and ethnically diverse youth (n = 40; grades 4-7) attending two urban summer camps in Rhode Island. Participants were 71.8% Black, 28.2% White, and 32.4% identified as Hispanic or Latino. <h3>Measurable Outcome/Analysis</h3> Program process measurements, interviews with camp staff, and weekly post-lesson questions for youth were collected along with pre/post measures. T-tests assessed pre/post attitudes towards STEAM, Asking for Fruit and Vegetable Self-Efficacy (AFVSE), and skin carotenoid levels with a significance level of <i>P</i> < 0.05. <h3>Results</h3> Overall, 67.5% of youth attended 4 or more lessons. Interviews with summer camp staff indicated the program was engaging and well-structured. Staff suggested shorter videos and stand-alone activities with basic concepts and understandable directions. For most lessons, youth scored ≥70% on post-lesson questions. There were no changes in attitudes towards STEAM, AFVSE, or skin carotenoid scores. <h3>Conclusions</h3> Project stRIde had an overall promising pilot year with post-lesson questions indicating youth comprehension of the content. Modifications to curriculum content and delivery will be made in order for this program to be successful and sustainable in future years. <h3>Funding</h3> USDA