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For the Field of Afterschool and Summer STEM

Elevating STEM in Out-of-School Time, Together

At STEM Next, we believe in meeting informal educators where they are to create a national ripple effect in out-of-school time STEM. By working hand-in-hand with out-of-school-time leaders in every state, we rapidly scale proven strategies while adapting them to fit local realities. Whether you’re looking for tools, training, or connections, we’re here to support you in bringing high-quality STEM experiences to youth everywhere.

Current Opportunities & Resources

Here are the latest resources, activities and professional development opportunities for program providers to boost STEM engagement.

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Breaking Into STEM: Lessons From Two STEM Leaders
News & Announcements 5 min read

Breaking Into STEM: Lessons From Two STEM Leaders

During a recent STEM Next Career Chat, teens from across the country…

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Innovators Advancing STEM: Career Chat Highlights Industry Leaders and Their Pathways to Success
News & Announcements 5 min read

Innovators Advancing STEM: Career Chat Highlights Industry Leaders and Their Pathways to Success

During a recent STEM Next Career Chat, teens across the country explored…

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NEW: Challenge Based Learning Activity Bundle
Tools 1 min read

NEW: Challenge Based Learning Activity Bundle

The Challenge Based Learning Activity Bundle is designed to help afterschool educators…

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The Practitioner's Toolbox

The Institute for a STEM Ready America at STEM Next is built on a decade of research and field-tested innovation. These frameworks and strategies help out-of-school educators and field leaders spark curiosity, strengthen family engagement, and build pathways that prepare young people for the future.

Question: Career-Connected Learning

These companion resources help out-of-school programs expand high-quality career-connected learning. The Career-Connected Learning Framework supports providers in designing hands-on experiences that build career awareness, exploration, and preparation. The Building Bridges with Industry Playbook offers practical guidance for forming and sustaining partnerships with employers that open doors to real-world STEM opportunities. Together, they help programs strengthen learning experiences and the relationships that make them possible.

 

Visit our Events page to register for upcoming trainings on these resources. Each event listing is updated after an event concludes with a form to access the recording, so you can revisit the content anytime.

Question: Access to STEM Framework

This framework provides research- and practice-based strategies to expand participation in STEM. It helps programs identify and address barriers, create welcoming spaces, and design experiences that support youth who have historically had fewer opportunities to engage in STEM learning.

Question: Engineering Mindset

This resource outlines 10 core engineering practices that help young people think and solve problems like engineers. It supports programs in cultivating teamwork, creativity, real-world problem-solving, and design thinking—skills that strengthen STEM learning and build confidence.

Question: Family Engagement

This project equips programs and families with tools to work together in strengthening youth curiosity, confidence, and persistence in STEM. By making family engagement central to learning, it helps programs create environments where young people feel supported, motivated, and able to see themselves in future STEM pathways.

Question: Making Connections to Support STEM Pathways

This research-based framework, created with UC Irvine’s Connected Learning Lab, helps programs connect learning across schools, families, and communities. It offers practical strategies for supporting youth as they move between settings, sustain STEM interest over time, and access experiences that build toward future opportunities.

About the Institute for a STEM Ready America

We're rapidly scaling what works in afterschool and summer programs to excite 20 million more youth with STEM by 2030.

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Upcoming Events

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Funding Opportunities

Our time-bound challenge grants combine funding, training, and resources to help programs pilot fresh ideas and bring cutting-edge STEM experiences to youth.

To manage existing reports and applications, please visit the grantee portal.

Grantee Portal