# Enhancing Access to High School Summer STEM Programs Through Proactive Planning and Budgeting

## TL;DR

The Water Dawgs summer program successfully engaged high school students in freshwater science by addressing barriers like cost and transportation through proactive planning and budgeting.

## Contribution

The study introduces practical strategies for increasing STEM program accessibility through proactive budgeting and planning to address common barriers.

## Key findings

- The Water Dawgs program increased student self-efficacy in STEM and awareness of environmental science careers.
- Five key barriers—information gaps, resource deficiencies, transportation disparities, food insecurity, and economic limitations—were identified and addressed through strategic planning.
- Proactive budgeting and planning helped ensure program accessibility for all interested students.

## Abstract

Summer programs are a powerful educational tool for increasing student interest in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) careers. However, barriers such as lack of awareness, transportation challenges, and financial constraints can hinder participation. This study examines Water Dawgs, a paid summer initiative designed to provide high school students with hands‐on freshwater science education while ensuring accessibility for all interested students. Using Water Dawgs as a case study, we explore how proactive planning and budgeting can help mitigate these participation barriers. Water Dawgs successfully engaged 16 participants, and survey results indicate increased self‐efficacy in STEM as well as greater awareness of how environmental science impacts daily life and career opportunities. We identify five key barriers—information gaps, resource deficiencies, transportation disparities, food insecurity, and economic limitations—and offer practical recommendations for addressing them through proactive planning and budgeting of direct costs. Strategies include planning and engagement well in advance of the event, allocating direct expenditures to compensate teacher partners and participants for their work, providing all necessary supplies for both classroom and field activities, offering transportation options for all participants, and ensuring access to meals. Our case study highlights the importance of thoughtful program planning and budget development that fully accounts for direct costs associated with removing barriers, making STEM summer programs an option for all interested students.

This study explores how the Water Dawgs summer program effectively engaged high school students in freshwater science while addressing common barriers to STEM participation, such as financial and transportation challenges. Through strategic planning and budgeting, the program increased student confidence in STEM and demonstrated how proactive planning can expand access to science education.