Research shows that parents are one of the biggest influences on youth interest and persistence in STEM. Yet, with few exceptions, when it comes to leveraging family engagement for youth success in informal STEM, there is a disconnect between research and practice. We believe that family engagement has the potential to change the entire field when it is a core element of programming and funding.
STEM Next Opportunity Fund is taking a leading role in raising awareness and inspiring programs, foundations, corporate partners and policy-makers to take action on family engagement. While our primary focus is on family engagement in out-of-school settings, we believe it is essential to bridge family engagement strategies to pre-K through 12 schools. Many of the strategies here are as applicable to in school as they are to informal and out-of-school programs. Our ultimate goal is to empower families to support their children’s engagement in STEM and to unleash the untapped talent of their children. The long-term success of this project will result in more parents understanding and communicating the promise of STEM to their children, and taking action to change their children’s participation and persistence in STEM.
A planning tool to support programs in uplifting and empowering all youth and families in STEM.
A collection of stories and research for STEM field leaders, practitioners, funders and more to empower families.
Here are four ideas to spark their interest and create a lifelong…
This blog is the fourth in the series, Growing STEM Leaders through…
The Family Engagement Project shares research, resources, and training with educators and…
STEM Next Opportunity Fund believes passionately in the power of families to inspire…
Families are children’s first and consistent educators. Tapping into family engagement strategies…
