Impact Stories How Strategic Investment in Data is Expanding Afterschool STEM Access in Rural Oklahoma In Oklahoma, STEM Next helped the state afterschool network strengthen its data systems to better understand the reach and potential gaps in afterschool STEM across… February 24, 2026 Learn More
Tools Celebrate the Artemis II Launch in Afterschool through STEM Activities To celebrate NASA’s historic Artemis II mission, STEM Next has curated ways to get your afterschool program involved. February 17, 2026 Learn More
Tools Transform Your Future: Celebrate Engineers Week 2026 in Afterschool Engineers Week—and this year’s theme, Transform Your Future—is the perfect opportunity to build momentum around engineering learning. January 26, 2026 Learn More
Tools 5 Steps to Plan Career-Connected Afterschool STEM Activities To make STEM more accessible for afterschool educators, we’ve outlined a checklist with five easy steps for designing STEM activities. Learn More
Opportunities Afterschool Programs: Implement New STEM Learning Journeys and Qualify for a Stipend In partnership with Verizon™, a new set of online Learning Journeys are now available to more easily implement relevant, high-quality STEM learning in their programs January 20, 2026 Learn More
News & Announcements Announcing STEM Next’s Nature Prize Challenge Winners, youth-led projects from coast to coast Winning submissions stood out for their creativity, youth engagement, impact, and incorporation of career-connected learning. December 17, 2025 Learn More
Press Releases STEM Next Opportunity Fund and Qualcomm Partner on Pilot to Bring AI Learning to Afterschool With leadership support from Qualcomm, STEM Next is expanding access to AI and emerging-technology learning through afterschool and summer programs. December 8, 2025 Learn More
Impact Stories How DNA Learning Journeys Are Building STEM Confidence in Youth and Educators STEM Next has partnered with Illumina to bring the power and wonder of DNA science to afterschool and summer programs nationwide. November 24, 2025 Learn More
Opportunities Announcing Project R³: A New Opportunity for OST System Leaders to Strengthen Math Confidence R³ is a new initiative designed to strengthen math relationships, relevance, and real-world application across the OST field. Apply to join this work! November 21, 2025 Learn More
Tools Bring AI Learning to CSEd Week: Hour of AI Resources for Programs STEM Next is partnering with Code.org’s new Hour of AI initiative to ensure the afterschool learning field is part of this global movement. November 20, 2025 Learn More
Tools Five Ways to Connect Your Child to Careers: New Family Guides for All Grade Levels Three new resources for afterschool programs to share with families on how they can engage their children in career-connected learning at home. November 19, 2025 Learn More
Tools Strengthening Career-Connected Learning: The Building Bridges with Industry Playbook The Playbook provides out-of-school-time (OST) education leaders with practical guidance for initiating, strengthening, and sustaining employer partnerships. November 10, 2025 Learn More
