2024 Earth Day and Beyond: Activating Earth Stewardship in New Ways
Planet vs. plastics. This year’s Earth Day theme provides many opportunities to take action for a healthier planet. Earth Day is a worldwide campaign that began over 50 years ago
2024 Summer STEM Challenge: Creating STEM Journeys with Purpose
Let’s do better than provide kids with random STEM programs. With less structure and more time for self-directed engagement, summer is the perfect time to encourage children’s
Furman University’s Riley Institute Features STEM Next Fellow, Dr. Sheronda Witter
The Riley Institute of Furman University features a profile of Dr. Sheronda Witter, STEM Next Fellow serving as the out-of-school time advisor in the Office of the Secretary at the
Does Science Still Have a Seat at the Table?
On any given day in 2018, you could walk into my science classroom and see my students doing the following: competitively measuring the growth of their soybean plants, self-assured
Family Engagement and the Power of Connection
Where does enchantment with stars and space or love for tinkering start? Building a telescope with a grandparent or working alongside a parent on a car maintenance project may laun
Spending ESSER: Three Tips to Leverage the Funds
Use it or lose it. We all know what that means, but do we know what it actually takes when there’s a clock ticking, many competing needs, and fears of funding cliffs? As the new
Remembering Ann S. Bowers
We are deeply saddened to announce the passing of Ann S. Bowers. Ann passed away peacefully early Wednesday, January 24th, 2024 leaving a legacy of inspiration and generosity. Dr
Embracing Orange Shirt Day: A Connection and the Role of Afterschool Programs
By: Dawn Marie Johnson, Community Advocate, South Dakota Orange Shirt Day is a day that hits home, reminding us of the painful history of the residential school system and the inc
New Mexico’s Quest to Advance Young Women in STEM: Jordyn Montoya’s Story
The New Mexico Out-of-School Time Network (NMOST) was aware of the gender gap in STEM. They knew the research and were motivated to address the issue in the state of New Mexico. Jo
Family Engagement: The Power of Reflection
STEM Next Opportunity Fund believes passionately in the power of families to inspire our next generation in science, technology, engineering, and math (STEM). When families learn