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National Science Foundation awards $2 million to Worcester Polytechnic Institute for student scholarships and STEM programs

The National Science Foundation has awarded $2 million to Worcester Polytechnic Institute to support scholarships and mentoring for low-income undergraduate and graduate students in STEM fields. The funding will contribute to increasing the size of the U.S. workforce in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics.

Childhood disadvantage can limit the social benefits of intelligence later in life, new research shows

A new study by Professor Chris Dawson found that childhood disadvantage is linked to lower levels of trust in others, with intelligence having half the effect on social benefits. The study analyzed data from over 24,000 people across the UK and suggests that stable childhood environments may be crucial in shaping life chances.

SourceUniversity of Bath·JournalPersonality and Social Psychology Bulletin·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateMay 14, 2026

Boys ditch books when schools close – girls keep reading

A new study from the University of Copenhagen found that when schools are closed, girls tend to spend more time reading and borrow more books than boys. This widening gap in reading habits has significant implications for education and literacy rates, as research suggests that reading skills are crucial for continued academic success.

SourceUniversity of Copenhagen·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateMar 24, 2026

Living in substandard housing linked to kids’ missed schooling and poor grades

Research published in the Journal of Epidemiology & Community Health found that children living in poor quality housing missed more school days and achieved worse test scores than their peers. Improving housing conditions, especially reducing damp and overcrowding, may have significant benefits for child health and school outcomes.

SourceBMJ Group·JournalJournal of Epidemiology and Community Health·DateDec 16, 2025

Scholar argues for move away from meritocracy in schools to redefine purpose of education

A University of Kansas expert proposes a shift away from the current merit-based education system, citing its limitations in promoting equality and individual fulfillment. By focusing on each student's strengths and interests, a new paradigm can foster personalized education and develop human interdependence, ultimately benefiting both...

SourceUniversity of Kansas·JournalECNU Review of Education·TypeCommentary/editorial·DateJul 16, 2025

Irish secondary schools among the most socio-economically equal for reading literacy

A new study by Trinity College Dublin found that Irish secondary schools are among the most socio-economically integrated in Europe for reading literacy. Despite varying levels of privileged and underprivileged students, Irish schools have relatively small gaps in literacy scores between these groups.

SourceTrinity College Dublin·JournalBritish Educational Research Journal·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateSep 19, 2023

Screen time not harmful for academic skills of preschoolers

A recent study by Ohio State University found that low to moderate levels of screen time do not negatively impact preschoolers' language, literacy, and math skills. However, high levels of screen use at nighttime were linked to smaller gains in social skills, particularly for those who used more than two hours of media daily.

SourceOhio State University·JournalTranslational Issues in Psychological Science·TypeObservational study·DateJul 4, 2023

America on the move: How urban travel has changed over a decade

A Florida Atlantic University study reveals that while private automobiles remain dominant, the share of car trips has decreased since its peak in 2001. In contrast, transit, non-motorized, and taxicab trips have increased. Lower-income groups rely heavily on public transportation due to limited mobility options.

SourceFlorida Atlantic University·JournalTransportation Research Part D Transport and Environment·TypeMeta-analysis·DateMar 1, 2023

Black girls benefit most when STEM teachers train up

A study by Rice University found that students in classes taught by STEM teachers who received professional development training were more likely to pursue STEM majors in college. Black female students showed the greatest increase, with nearly double the percentage of non-AMP! teachers.

SourceRice University·JournalThe Journal of STEM Outreach·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateFeb 13, 2023

Even in kindergarten, gaps seen in extracurricular activities

A study found significant gaps in extracurricular activities among kindergarten children based on race and mother's education level. White children were more likely to participate in athletics, while those from disadvantaged backgrounds may miss opportunities that could help them succeed in school.

SourceOhio State University·JournalJournal of Applied Developmental Psychology·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateNov 14, 2022

Study finds school choice not offered equitably to low-income, less-educated families, who are forced to compromise more

A new study from the University of Kansas finds that parents from marginalized backgrounds and lower educational attainment make more compromises on school features, resulting in lower satisfaction. The research suggests that these parents are not lacking in understanding what would be best for their children, but rather face constrain...

SourceUniversity of Kansas·JournalEducational Evaluation and Policy Analysis·TypeSurvey·DateOct 20, 2022

Study: Live chat boosts college women’s class participation

A recent UNLV-led study discovered that women enthusiastically embraced live chat during pandemic Zoom classes, with ratings showing significantly higher engagement than men. The researchers hope this data can help colleges incorporate technology into hybrid and in-person courses to increase underrepresented groups' access to STEM fields.

SourceUniversity of Nevada, Las Vegas·JournalPLOS ONE·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateOct 19, 2022

Faculty mentor training program strengthens university’s institutional climate

A pioneering program at UC San Diego Health Sciences has trained 23% of faculty between 2017-2020, improving mentoring quality and faculty satisfaction, especially among underrepresented groups. The program's success suggests a universally applicable model for medical schools to improve diversity and success.

SourceUniversity of California - San Diego·JournalJournal of Clinical and Translational Science·DateJan 11, 2022

Which role models are best for STEM? Researchers offer recommendations in new analysis

A new analysis provides guidelines for deploying effective role models to encourage learning across diverse populations. The study suggests that features like perceived competence, similarity, and attainability of success are key to motivating students, while portraying extreme levels of role model competence can backfire.

SourceNew York University·JournalInternational Journal of STEM Education·TypeLiterature review·DateDec 1, 2021

Income inequality can harm children’s achievement in maths – but not reading, 27-year study suggests

A 27-year study suggests that income inequality is linked to lower maths scores among US children, with even richer students experiencing negative effects. The study found that states with higher income gaps saw poorer maths results, while reading grades were not associated with income inequality. Policymakers may need to consider redu...

SourceTaylor & Francis Group·JournalEducational Review·DateOct 5, 2021

Underrepresented college students benefit more from 'active learning' techniques in STEM

Active learning techniques have been shown to significantly narrow the achievement gap between overrepresented and underrepresented students in STEM fields. In a recent study, instructors incorporated more active learning methods into undergraduate STEM courses, resulting in exam scores narrowing by 33-42% and course passing rates impr...

SourceUniversity of Washington·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateMar 9, 2020

Closing the dyslexia achievement gap

Researchers at Yale University found that a large achievement gap between dyslexic and typical readers is already present in first grade. Early screening and reading interventions can help close this gap by implementing programs as early as kindergarten.

SourceYale University·JournalThe Journal of Pediatrics·DateNov 3, 2015

Bilingual school counselors help narrow achievement gap

A recent study found significant improvements in reading and math scores for Spanish-speaking students who received a specialized bilingual/bicultural school counselor-led program, closing the traditional achievement gap. The evidence-based program positions school counselors to show their direct impact on student achievement.

SourceSAGE·JournalCounseling Outcome Research and Evaluation·DateAug 2, 2011

Obama's Promise Neighborhoods Initiative

The initiative, modeled after Harlem Children's Zone, combines public charter schools and community services to help disadvantaged individuals gain financial security. Recent research suggests that similar results can be achieved independent of community investments, but additional evidence is needed to measure long-term impacts.

SourceWiley·JournalCity and Community·DateFeb 17, 2010