Afterschool Alliance :: Play Your Part: Bringing STEM Professionals and Afterschool Together

Play Your Part: Bringing STEM Professionals and Afterschool Together

Afterschool programs occur before school, after school, during the summer, during school breaks and even on weekends. They can be run by schools, non-profit organizations, faith-based organizations, universities or as a partnership between different organizations. Afterschool programs generally offer a combination of academics and enrichment, ranging from arts and homework help to physical activity and cooking. Many programs offer STEM opportunities to their students, but many would like to do more. Afterschool providers know that a comprehensive STEM curriculum is vital for the kids they serve and are looking to partner with experts to provide strong content. So get involved! Volunteer with an afterschool program to help make sure our youth are prepared for the future.

Why afterschool?

Afterschool programs have an overall focus on the whole child and the flexibility to offer hands on, student-driven activities. Afterschool programs excite kids about STEM by giving them a voice in what topics they want to explore and the chance to engage in truly experiential learning. Students can take on long-term projects free from the constraints of a school day and gain exposure to possible STEM career choices. Evaluations show that these kids have much more positive attitudes towards science and science careers. But we need more such programs. Want to know more? Check out our afterschool fact sheets.

Working with afterschool program providers:

Afterschool programs are not baby-sitting programs! Modern afterschool programs are structured settings lead by professional staff. They offer homework help and give kids a chance to do things that are not always available during the school day: music, art, physical fitness, and hands-on science and engineering activities.

The YMCA/YWCA, Boys and Girls Clubs, Girl Scouts and 4-H all operate in the afterschool space as do smaller local programs. Most offer programs on school campuses but can also work out in the community in housing projects, churches, science centers, museums, etc. Programs are typically offered between 3-6 p.m. on most weekdays during the school year and in the summer.

Most afterschool programs operate on small budgets, patching together funding from a variety of sources: federal government, state and local governments, foundations, corporations, and charging fees to parents.

The afterschool community is committed to offering STEM programming to provide our children with the best possible experiences and set them up for success. Afterschool providers are experts in youth development, but not necessarily in STEM. That’s why they are looking for partners like you!

Find a program in your community

Afterschool in My Community: resources from the Afterschool Alliance.
National Lab Network is an initiative to build communities of support for STEM learning. Check the website to see if anyone in your area is looking for help.
Connect a Million Minds: An initiative from Time Warner Cable to connect children and youth to afterschool STEM opportunities. Search the "Connectory" for activities and resources in your community.
National Girls Collaborative Project Directory. This directory lists organizations and programs that focus on motivating girls to pursue careers in STEM.

Make connections

Afterschool Ambassadors: Personally selected by the Afterschool Alliance, these Ambassadors represent some of the most effective afterschool programs and advocacy organizations in the United States. They are a great resource if you are looking to make a connection with a leader in the afterschool community.
State Afterschool Networks: 39 states have their own afterschool networks that bring together teams to share ideas and resources to advance afterschool in their state. Check to see if your state has a network and talk to them about their STEM programming needs and priorities.

Afterschool in your state

Networks of afterschool program providers and advocates are coming together in several states to push for quality, affordable afterschool programs. Find out more about afterschool research, policy, funding and more in your state with our interactive map.

Issue Brief: STEM in Afterschool

The Afterschool Alliance publishes exhaustive research on a wide range of topics concerning afterschool, including STEM programming. Our issue briefs present the latest studies, provide examples of promising afterschool programs and make the case for greater investment in afterschool. Click here to read our issue brief on Middle School and STEM and to download the PDF file.