Afterschool STEM Improves Academic Performance
Active learning, like the types found in afterschool and summer programming, has been shown to support better student comprehension and knowledge, especially with math, a foundatio
Afterschool Helps Students Develop a STEM Identity
When youth feel a connection and belonging within STEM, they are more likely to develop a STEM identity, resulting in more frequent and deeper engagement in STEM learning (Bell, Be
Afterschool STEM to Improve STEM Equity Issues
Systemic barriers exist for girls and youth of color to pursue STEM interests across the country. By the time students reach the 6th grade, middle-class children have likely spen
Afterschool STEM Increases Interest in STEM Careers & Skills
An 11-state study showed that participation in STEM-focused afterschool programs leads to increases in youth STEM interest, identity, career knowledge, and 21st-century skills, suc
Students Pursue STEM if Introduced to Topics Early
Studies report that students are more likely to pursue STEM majors at universities and colleges if introduced to those topics in grade school. In addition, exposing students to STE
Role Models & Mentors Inspire Career Awareness
Role models and mentors inspire career awareness and increase youth interest in, positive attitudes toward, and identification with STEM (Maltese & Tai, 2010). Research demon
Afterschool STEM is Highly Effective
Research demonstrates informal learning programs are highly effective for STEM learning and engagement early and often are crucial to sparking and sustaining youth STEM career inte
Youth Spend 80% Outside the Classroom
Youth spend the majority of their time – more than 80% of their waking hours – outside the classroom, leaving space for informal learning programs to leverage existing