Enhancing Access to High School Summer <scp>STEM</scp> Programs Through Proactive Planning and Budgeting

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 <i>Water Dawgs</i>, a paid summer initiative designed to provide high school students with hands-on freshwater science education while ensuring accessibility for all interested students. Using <i>Water Dawgs</i> as a case study, we explore how proactive planning and budgeting can help mitigate these participation barriers. <i>Water Dawgs</i> 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.