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
New (free!) Learning Resources from National Geographic and Mott Foundation
Read moreReal-world problems call for critical thinking and real-world solutions and afterschool programs are a great place for kids to learn, collaborate, and figure out how to make their communities better. The Mott Foundation and National Geographic want to help afterschool programs open the world to young people. National Geographic has been pushing the boundaries of knowledge, exploring the planet from its highest peaks to its deepest depths for more than 130 years. Now you can bring this spirit of exploration to your afterschool program!
Flipping the Engagement Model on Its Head: Bringing STEM Home to Families
Read moreSTEM programs often approach family engagement in a similar way—with a one-time, end-of-program celebration in which youth show-and-tell STEM projects to their parents. Notably, we ask parents to change their schedules, step out of their familiar routines, and make special arrangements to come to the program’s physical space. As founder and previous CEO of Techbridge Girls, I attended 100+ STEM family nights like this. I witnessed the rewards that come with families making extraordinary effort to show up for STEM showcases. Youth feel pride in presenting their work and parents appreciate learning about the skills behind STEM projects. I…
- 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.
