A Foundation for Learning: Parent's Perceptions of the McMaster Children and Youth University (MCYU)

Abstract

The McMaster Children and Youth University (MCYU) was founded at McMaster University in Hamilton Ontario, Canada. The MCYU delivers free educational programming to children and youth to empower and prepare youth, especially those at a socioeconomic disadvantage, to aspire to higher education (MCYU, 2022). Parents are invited to attend the lectures alongside their children, making parent involvement a key component of the program (MCYU, 2018; Paquin et al, 2018). Participation in educational activities, such as out-of-school programming, school-run field trips, or extracurriculars have been correlated with improved academic achievement and social adjustment (Holloway & Pimlott-Wilson, 2014; Weininger et al., 2015). However, children and youth from disadvantaged backgrounds are less likely to participate in learning enrichment activities outside of school (Siddiqui et al., 2019). These barriers to participation have often been attributed to lower economic status (Chanfreau, et al., 2016; Farthing, 2014; Holloway & Pimlott-Wilson, 2014; Siddiqui et al., 2019). A grounded theory study was employed addressing the following question: How do socio-ecological factors shape parental decision-making for childhood involvement in the MCYU? Twenty parents who participate in the MCYU were interviewed and asked to complete an accompanying survey. After thorough data collection and analysis, the results indicated that positive educational experiences in the lives of parents shape their approach to their children’s education. Their life experiences have led to an intrinsic and extrinsic desire to learn, and the MCYU is an invaluable tool for parents to instill these values in their children through 1) education, 2) exposure, 3) enjoyment, and 4) engagement. This research may inform an expansion of MCYU type programs across Canada as well as aid the MCYU in reaching members of the community who are unable to benefit from the program. While the MCYU is for kids, the appeal for parents should be emphasized in future iterations.