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
Bridging the Gap Between Traditions and Afterschool: A Personal Journey
By: Dawn Marie Johnson, Community Advocate, South Dakota Life weaves beautiful moments that define who we are, nudging us to act from the heart. For me, the journey of bringing t
The Student Mental Health Crisis: How Out-of-School Time Programs Can Help
In February, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention released its Youth Risk Behavior Survey Data Summary & Trends Report: 2011-2021, highlighting trends and experiences
Family Engagement: Make it About Empowerment
Families are children’s first and consistent educators. Tapping into family engagement strategies can be the “secret sauce” to supporting a child’s engagement in science, t
Research and Out-of-School Time Learning Tips
What is the value of conducting research in out-of-school time learning? What does it tell us? These are some of the questions, STEM Next’s Senior Advisor for Afterschool
Youth Voice: An Invaluable Perspective
“Our generation is set to inherit a complicated world with challenges we did not create; now is the time to start listening to us.” – Henrietta and Emerald, 2022 Flight C
Welcome Back to Afterschool 2023: Five Big STEM Ideas to Supercharge Young Minds
Science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) can spark curiosity in children that can inspire a lasting love of learning. Interest may start with a project to restore a
Sticks, Stones, Dirt, and Bugs: Summertime Adventures in STEM
I (Linda) enrolled my son in a summer program hosted by our community park’s department in a forest setting. Kyle and his best friend spent their day building forts and hiking th