Scientific literacy is undesirably low: California ranks 49th in 8th grade science literacy (NCES, 2011). The amount of time dedicated to science instruction in elementary schools is minimal (Blank, 2013). And yet, young people will soon be entering a society faced with complex social, economic, and environmental issues requiring scientifically- and civically-engaged individuals able and willing to participate in public discourse and contribute to the healthy functioning of our democracy (Dewey, 1938; NAS, 2007).

Out-of-school time science education may help improve scientific literacy of young people (NRC, 2009). Improving interest of youth for science is important to begin early; youth develop an interest in science careers before middle school (Maltese & Tai, 2010). The emerging research on science festivals have shown promise in the following ways.

Benefits of Science Festivals For Youth: Helps spark young people's curiosity and excitement for STEM Science festivals help support young people in becoming more interested in science, learning something new about science, and experiencing science as more fun and enjoyable. Science festivals also support underrepresented communities engagement in STEM. - Goodman Research Group, 2013

"participants become more interested in science, learn something new about science, are motivated to seek out more science-related activities, and feel more connected to the science happening in their cities." Science Festival Alliance

For Communities: Strengthens a community's STEM learning ecosystem Science festivals involved hundreds of exhibitors, representing organizations, schools, non-profits, corporations, and many others to engage youth in hands-on science education. These exhibitors also learn and share with each other during a festival, strengthening their connections in the community.

"The collaborative call-to-arms of a festival recharges existing relationships and energizes entirely new partnerships" - E. Schuster, 2014

"Collaboration is a key outcome of science festivals. A multitude of benefits from collaboration have been documented: expansion of the ... network, cross-sector interactions that provide people entrée to new communities and experiences, a variety of types of assistance taking place, and relationships to support STEM education that extend beyond the festival calendar." - C. A. Bevc, D. Young, & K. Peterman, in Journal of Science Communication

For Scientists: New opportunities to communicate science to the public Festivals feature many points of entry for scientists and engineers to get involved directly in public outreach. These scientists and engineers improve their own competence and confidence interacting with public audiences. - Goodman Research Group, 2013