Home > Resources Tools Career Profiles to Help Connect Youth to STEM Careers in Afterschool September 10, 2026 STEM Next has developed a new set of career profiles to help youth explore career paths in STEM. Each profile introduces a different profession, explains how it contributes to the industry, and highlights the skills, education, and day-to-day responsibilities involved. These profiles complement the Out-Of-School Time Top Ten Activity Bundle for all grade levels. Educators and families can use these profiles to demonstrate to youth the variety of STEM career paths that are open to them in fields they are interested in. Download the below to learn more about each career field: Chemist and Materials ScientistExplore how chemists and materials scientists study matter and test materials to develop new medicines, safer products, and other innovations across industries such as healthcare and energy. Data ScientistLearn how data scientists use math, computer science, and statistics to turn large amounts of information into insights that help hospitals, sports teams, government agencies, and other organizations make better decisions. Forensic Science TechnicianDiscover how forensic science technicians collect and analyze evidence, from fingerprints to DNA, to help investigators and the courts understand what happened at a crime scene. Industrial DesignerSee how industrial designers combine creativity, engineering, and problem-solving to design the everyday products people use, from furniture and electronics to sports equipment and appliances. Urban PlannerLearn how urban planners work with communities and government officials to decide how land is used, helping cities grow safely, efficiently, and sustainably. Wildlife BiologistDiscover how wildlife biologists and zoologists study animals and their habitats, conducting field research to protect wildlife and conserve ecosystems.Interested in more resources for afterschool and summer STEM from STEM Next? Check out our full list of Tools on our Resources page.
