Learn more about what’s next in informal STEM. We will continue to feature new and creative research and programs, exciting stories, big picture thinking, news, and STEM systems.
- By STEM Next in News on
North America Scholastic Esports Federation Launches Second Season
Read moreThe North America Scholastic Esports Federation is launching its second season. The Federation is working to ensure that all students possess the knowledge and skills needed to be society’s game changers. NASEF is on a mission to provide opportunities for students to use esports as a platform to acquire critical communication, collaboration, and problem-solving skills needed to thrive in work and in life. Join NASEF for a free webinar to learn about the launch of esports clubs, competition, coaches and much more. The webinar is designed for educators, teachers, administrators, directors, IT leads of high schools and community-based organizations across the United…
Family Engagement: Taking it to the Next Level
Read moreHow can organizations integrate parent education into their STEM programs? With support, parents can learn to engage in positive interactions that spark and maintain their child’s interest in STEM. In this case study, Drs. Kekelis and Sammet highlight the Greene Scholars Program and Digital Youth Divas—two programs that are exemplary in their approach to empowering parents with research, education, and resources. While their program models, participants, and STEM-focus are quite different, these organizations offer promising practices that can benefit all communities.
- By Linda Kekelis in Guest Blog on
Reflections for Dads of Daughters
Read moreIn honor of Father's Day 2018, our family engagement advisor, Linda Kekelis PhD, shared a blog she wrote on reflections for dads and daughters. Dr. Kekelis writes on the research behind how parent encouragement can impact a child. She offers ideas to reimagine what is possible for young girls by rewriting the script a father plays with their daughter to spark new interest in STEM learning.
Books can inspire a future astronaut, cyber security expert, or gameplay engineer
Read moreNow is the perfect time to think about what your child, neighbor, coworker’s child, or students will be doing this summer. We encourage you to help support summer reading during summer free time. Books can spark a new interest in computer science or build upon a budding interest in engineering. Books can introduce role models who show that talent and ideas come from every background. Three ideas to help collectively support summer reading and along the way support the next generation of innovators. As a parent, ask your child’s teacher or school librarian for a list of books about…
Expanding Access and Inclusion in STEM through Culturally Responsive Family Engagement
Read moreIn this Case Study, Drs. Sammet and Kekelis highlight best practices and lessons learned from two programs - Techbridge Girls and Code Next - that serve communities with important cultural differences across race/ethnicity, religion, geography, language and immigration status. This case study offers insights for both practitioners and funders of STEM programs.
How a Library’s Making Program Empowers Mothers and Daughters
Read morePublic libraries have a unique opportunity to expand the reach of STEM. “Public libraries provide a ‘third space’ beyond the formal classroom and home that can unite schools and communities around STEM education and complete the community’s STEM learning ecosystem.” What’s more, public libraries are accessible and trusted spaces in the community; these elements help to increase access for youth and parents who are underserved and underrepresented in STEM. In celebration of National Library Week April 8-14, we showcase one library that expanded its mission with a new program to support families and help close the opportunity gap in…
After Hour of Code™: Family Engagement Maintains the Momentum
Read moreComputer Science Education Week aims to inspire K-12 students in computer science. Held the second week of December in honor of the birthday of Admiral Grace Murray Hopper, who was a pioneer in computing, Computer Science Education Week generates interest for computer science and draws attention to broadening participation across race, class, and gender. Hour of Code™ is the star attraction for Computer Science Education Week, with Code.org® serving as lead organizer. Leveraging cross-sector partnerships, Hour of Code™ has become a global movement that offers tutorials for every age and experience level. In 2017 more than ten million students in over 180…
Promising Practice for Engaging Families: Spotlight 08
Read moreA workshop that gives families a chance to connect over coding or persevere through an engineering design challenge is a great first step in family engagement in STEM. But family engagement can be so much more. Jane Albin, Program Enhancement Specialist at the YMCA of the USA, offers insights into making family engagement an essential element across an organization. Jane describes that family engagement at the Y is fundamental to their youth development work and beneficial to youth and families at the Y.
Promising Practice for Engaging Families: Spotlight 07
Read moreParents can play an important role in supporting their children’s learning and pathways with technology. However, when programs have a family element, it often involves parents attending an end-of-program celebration to see what their kids have learned. This is an important start, but programs can do better. Here are five take-aways from Family Creative Learning that successfully re-imagine family engagement, creating computing programs that put families at the center with kids and parents learning together.
Promising Practice for Engaging Families: Spotlight 06
Read moreFrom preventing summer learning loss to promoting engagement in STEM, there is abundant research that parents play an important role in their children’s academic and career paths. And yet how can every parent access research and resources to help their children? We highlight three organizations that have found creative ways to support parents. Our take-away from these organizations and their innovative approaches is twofold. First, they listen to parents’ priorities. Second, they strive to make research and resources truly accessible to families.
