Afterschool STEM Improves Academic Performance

Active learning, like the types found in afterschool and summer programming, has been shown to support better student comprehension and knowledge, especially with math, a foundational skill our youth struggle with most (Uyen, Tong, Lien, 2022).

Research shows that high-quality, STEM learning opportunities outside of the classroom can improve academic outcomes, increase college and career readiness, and foster positive youth development (Mroczkowski, Price, Harris, Skeeles-Worley, 2021; Allen, Chang, Waggenspack, Fukuda, Little, Noam, 2019)

Out-of-school learning environments have been shown to predict stronger academic skills and perceptions of academic ability, especially for underrepresented youth (New York University, 2017). 

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Allen, P. J., Chang, R., Gorrall, B. K., Waggenspack, L., Fukuda, E., Little, T. D., & Noam, G. G. (2019). From quality to outcomes: A national study of afterschool STEM programming. International Journal of STEM Education, 6(1), 1-21. https://doi.org/10.1186/s40594-019-0191-2

Mroczkowski, A. L., Price, C. A., Harris, N. C., & Skeeles-Worley, A. D. (2021). Youths’ Perceptions of Features of a Museum-Based Youth Development Program That Create a Supportive Community Context: A Qualitative Case Study. Journal of Adolescent Research. https://doi.org/10.1177/0743558420985462

New York University. (2017). Afterschool Program Environments Linked to Academic Confidence and Skills. https://www.nyu.edu/about/news-publications/news/2017/november/afterschool-program-environments-linked-to-academic-confidence-a.html

Uyen, B. P., Tong, D. H., & Lien, N. B. (2022). The Effectiveness of Experiential Learning in Teaching Arithmetic and Geometry in Sixth Grade. Frontiers in Education, 7, 858631. https://doi.org/10.3389/feduc.2022.858631