What are barriers to participation in nonformal learning opportunities?
• According to the 2007 Minnesota Student Survey25, students reported they did not participate in an activity because they were too busy or not interested. • Approximately two out of five students stated they were too busy to participate (40% of 6th grade students and 45% of 9th grade students) • Over half of the students reported that the programming was not interesting (54% 6th grade students and 57% 9th grade students) • The University of Minnesota’s review of several studies over time found similar results. The analysis found that youth did not participate in activities because nothing interested them, they had transportation problems, they had other responsibilities (at home, a job, caring for siblings, etc), or because they were not aware of what programs existed. 26 • A lack of opportunity contributes to nonparticipation in nonformal learning opportunities. The University of Minnesota’s Supply and Demand Study27 found that more than half of Minnesota parents struggle to find eno
