Reaching Diverse Groups in Long-Term Astronomy Public Engagement Efforts

TL;DR

This paper evaluates the demographic reach of the International Astronomical Youth Camp over 50 years, highlighting successes in gender and LGBT+ diversity but identifying gaps in racial and ethnic representation, and discusses future inclusion strategies.

Contribution

It provides a detailed demographic analysis of a long-standing astronomy outreach program and proposes targeted strategies to improve diversity among participants.

Findings

High gender and LGBT+ representation among participants

Underrepresentation of black and ethnic minorities

Ongoing efforts to increase diversity and inclusion

Abstract

Professional astronomy is historically not an environment of diverse identities. In recognizing that public outreach efforts affect career outcomes for young people, it is important to assess the demographics of those being reached and continually consider strategies for successfully engaging underrepresented groups. One such outreach event, the International Astronomical Youth Camp (IAYC), has a 50-year history and has reached ~1700 participants from around the world. We find that the IAYC is doing well in terms of gender (59% female, 4.7% non-binary at the most recent camp) and LGBT+ representation, whereas black and ethnic minorities are lacking. In this proceeding, we report the current landscape of demographics applying to and attending the IAYC; the efforts we are making to increase diversity amongst participants; the challenges we face; and our future plans to bridge these gaps, not only for the benefit of the camp but for society overall.