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 Linda Kekelis in News on
Got STEM? Families are the Key as Kids Head Back to School
Read moreAs kids go back to school, their families are looking for safe places for them to do their homework, engage in physical activity, and learn new skills. Science, technology, engineering, and math (STEM) afterschool programs meet these needs and more with activities that teach skills for school, work, and life. Afterschool activities help build on the enthusiasm of kids who are already into science, robotics and math. They also spark an interest in those who haven’t discovered their love for tinkering or aptitude for coding, yet.
2019 The Summer of STEM
Read more“Not all summers are created equal.” We agree with this assessment from Laura Johnson, VP of Communications at the National Summer Learning Association. STEM Next Opportunity Fund puts forward the challenge — Let’s empower families so that every child has access to quality summer learning.
Where Do Families Go for STEM?
Read moreWhat do libraries have to do with STEM (science, technology, engineering, and math)? These days, plenty. You can find preschoolers and their caregivers engaging in hands-on science and math activities, girls and mothers tinkering with tools and technology, and families learning to code at summer lunch programs all at their local public library. These experiences spark new interests in kids, build confidence in parents, and can even have lasting impact on career interests.
Changing the Game in STEM with Family Engagement
Read moreSTEM Next Opportunity Fund is committed to ensuring that every child – especially girls, youth of color, kids in low-income communities, and youth with disabilities – has access to STEM experiences and the social capital that lead to greater opportunities in academics and careers. We believe family engagement is a game changer and offer this white paper to raise awareness of its importance and amplify promising practices.
Public Libraries in the STEM Ecosystem
Read moreBringing science-themed workshops to families in rural Appalachia, giving students and families in a summer meal program a chance to build robots, and letting parents see their children apply early math skills to everyday life are a few examples of how public libraries are making STEM learning experiences more accessible to families. Through interviews with library leaders in six states — Georgia, Maryland, Massachusetts, Pennsylvania, Washington, and Wisconsin — Global Family Research Project learned that librarians and other library staff members are true innovators, often stretching beyond their typical program models to create more — and better — STEM…
Introduce a Girl (and Her Family) to Engineering Day
Read moreFebruary 21, 2019 is Introduce a Girl to Engineering Day. This special day during National Engineers Week helps girls understand they have a place in engineering a better world. Engineers Week raises awareness of engineers’ contributions to our quality of life and increases interest in engineering careers. In her recent blog, Dr. Kekelis shares a list of five ideas to spark inspiration and empower parents to Introduce Their Girl to Engineering Day and the days and weeks after.
Science Chapter Books: Launchpads for Middle Schoolers
Read moreSharing a few chapter book gems with parents and caregivers can be a brief but highly productive part of family night at a school, or open house at a library.
- By STEM Next in News on
STEM Next Opportunity Fund and the US Department of Education Announces New Robert Noyce/Ellen Lettvin Informal STEM Education Fellow
Read moreSTEM Next Opportunity Fund and the US Department of Education Announce Patti Curtis as the new Robert Noyce/Ellen Lettvin Informal STEM Education FellowJanuary 31, 2019The STEM Next Opportunity Fund, in collaboration with the US Department of Education, is pleased to announce the appointment of Patti Curtis as the new Robert Noyce/Ellen Lettvin Informal STEM Education Fellow. Curtis, who has led policy efforts for the Museum of Science, Boston for more than a decade, is a recognized leader and thoughtful collaborator in the STEM community. Her accomplishments include: Working with Congress to design several bills in support of K-12 engineering…
Five Ideas to Inspire Every Girl in STEM
Read moreGirls have the potential for greatness as inventors and creative forces in their communities. They just need the opportunity to discover their inner engineer, math mindset, or passion for coding. In her recent blog, Dr. Kekelis, shares a list of five ideas that inspire and encourage girls to explore science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM) in 2019.
Set a Place at the STEM Table for Youth with Disabilities and their Families
Read moreHow can we make sure that kids who are deaf, visually impaired, or physically disabled have the chance to imagine and create a bright future with science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM)? In this case study Dr. Kekelis shares how STEM can empower and the programs, such as Deaf Kids Code, that are engaging youth and their families to make STEM learning opportunities accessible and successful.
