Empowering young children and their caregivers in STEM learning
Official title: INCLUSIVE PREK STEM PLAYGROUPS: EMPOWERING OUR YOUNGEST LEARNERS AND THEIR CAREGIVERS FOR CONFIDENCE AND COMPETENCE IN STEM LEARNING
Funded at Univ of North Carolina Chapel Hill · NIH-10888592 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is all about helping young kids, especially those with disabilities and from less advantaged backgrounds, learn and enjoy science, technology, engineering, and math (STEM) through fun playgroups, while also supporting their caregivers along the way.
Quick facts
| Grant type | NIH-funded research |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Univ of North Carolina Chapel Hill NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Chapel Hill, United States) |
| Project start | September 1, 2024 |
| Project end | August 31, 2026 |
| Funding year | 2024 |
| Award (this year) | $270,529 |
| NIH project number | 1R25GM154384-01 |
| Project ID | NIH-10888592 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research include young children aged 0-5 years, especially those with disabilities or from underserved backgrounds, along with their caregivers.
✕Less likely to help
Children outside the age range of 0-5 years or those not interested in STEM learning may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This project focuses on creating inclusive playgroups that enhance STEM learning for young children, particularly those with disabilities and from underserved communities. By partnering researchers with practitioners, the initiative aims to develop and implement engaging STEM activities that foster confidence and competence in both children and their caregivers. The program will collect data on child-caregiver interactions and the development of foundational STEM skills over a two-year period, comparing outcomes between those who participate in the playgroups and those on a waitlist.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could provide young children and their caregivers with improved access to quality STEM education, fostering essential skills for their future.
How similar studies have gone: Previous research has shown success in similar inclusive educational approaches, indicating the potential for positive outcomes in this initiative.
Where this research is happening
-
Univ of North Carolina Chapel Hill
Chapel Hill, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Amsbary, Jessica a — Univ of North Carolina Chapel Hill
- Study coordinator: Amsbary, Jessica a
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About this research
- This is an active NIH-funded research project — typically early-stage science, not a clinical trial accepting patient enrollment.
- Some NIH-funded labs run parallel clinical studies or seek volunteers for related work. To check, contact the principal investigator or institution listed above.
- For full project details, budget, and progress reports, visit the official NIH RePORTER page.