When Science Meets Heritage Language: Evidence based impact

A reflection on the evidences highlighting the value and legacy of the Same Migrant Community programme 

The Same Migrant Community (SMC) programme was developed and implemented by Native Scientists to introduce an innovative approach to science outreach.Through short, hands-on interventions, it connects migrant children with scientists who share the same heritage language. . A study published in the Journal of Science Education provides robust evidence of the programme’s effectiveness, with new insights into how culturally responsive science outreach can shape children’s attitudes towards science. 

Bringing communities together - From Research to Impact

The study evaluated the new pedagogical approach piloted within the SMC programme. Rather than treating language, culture, and science as separate elements, SMC brings them together in what the researchers called Science and Heritage Language Integrated Learning (SHLIL). SHLIL frames science learning as an experience shaped by language and identity: children explore scientific concepts through their heritage language while taking part in hands-on activities led by scientists who share similar cultural and migration backgrounds. The study examined whether this approach could influence how migrant children feel about science, their own abilities, and their heritage language by comparing them with children who did not attend the workshops at that time.

The paper confirmed what communities, teachers, and scientists have observed for years - the SMC model works in promoting scientific literacy. The experience of a scientific workshop bringing together children and scientists with the heritage language in common is a positive experience for both. For students, the experience boosted their interest in science and helped them see its value, while also building self-confidence and an intention to engage with science in the future. The benefits also expand to the connection with their roots, as they become more interested in their heritage language.  Four weeks post-workshop, students still valued science more and felt more confident practising their home language. 

The key contribution of the study goes beyond showing the programme’s success. It demonstrates that integrating science learning with heritage language is a powerful pedagogical approach for supporting migrant children and helping them feel that science is also “for people like me.”

The growing impact of the SMC programme

So far, the programme has recorded 1,317 scientists participants, with many returning multiple times to support their communities. Their role is crucial for the success of our programme, and their commitment is reflected in consistently high feedback scores. The vast majority of participating scientists rated the workshops as very good or excellent, highlighting the programme’s value for professional development and community engagement. These results reflect the scale and consistency of the programme.

Since the beginning, the SMC programme has engaged 7,648 children through 30,652 interactions with scientists, offering workshops in 12 heritage languages: Portuguese, Italian, French, Spanish, German, Arabic, Greek, Polish, Estonian, Croatian, Turkish, and Romanian. This linguistic diversity is central to the programme’s mission of strengthening identity and belonging while promoting scientific literacy. All countries reached in 2024/25 were classified as priority regions for migrant inclusion.

For Native Scientists, the study’s reinforced the importance of culturally grounded outreach. “The SMC programme shows that when children meet scientists who speak their language and share their stories, science becomes more relatable and more inspiring,” said one scientist involved in the research.

Looking ahead: strengthening science, identity, and communities

The SMC impact paper continues to guide Native Scientists’ work across Europe. More than ever, we know that connecting science with culture and language empowers children, builds confidence, and opens pathways to future opportunities.

As the programme grows, Native Scientists remain committed to expanding its reach, ensuring that every child, regardless of background, can overcome language and upbringing barriers for a brilliant future, either in STEM or anywhere their dream will lead. 

Continuing the momentum, more workshops and new partnerships are planned for the coming year. If you’d like to follow the next steps of the SMC programme, visit our website for updates.

Schiefer, J., Caspari, J., Moscoso, J. A., Catarino, A. I., Miranda Afonso, P., Golle, J., & Rebuschat, P. (2024). Science and Heritage Language Integrated Learning (SHLIL): Evidence of the effectiveness of an innovative science outreach program for migrant students. Science Education, 108(4), 983-1014.