Benefits of Community-University Partnerships in Rural Settings: Lessons Learned from an Inclusive Science Day Event

Abstract

This article reports findings from an Inclusive Science Day event that was hosted at a rurally located discovery museum. The event was collaboratively planned and hosted by two undergraduate student organizations from a local university. The university students planned eight inclusive science stations that were supplemented by six museum-developed stations. Each station was planned to meet the needs of a variety of learners. The event was very well attended, with approximately 150 visitors who ranged in age from infants to older adults. The research study reports findings from a survey of 22 caregivers who attended the Inclusive Science Day event. Findings present relevant information about the benefits of embracing a community-university partnership model and suggestions for facilitating a collaboratively planned inclusive science event. The implications highlight the importance of inclusive informal learning practices and partnership development in all locales. While the research is particularly relevant for rural stakeholders, it also provides useful considerations for all settings.