STEM Learning has an Equity Issue
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 kids have likely spent
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
OST STEM Programs are Highly Effective
Research demonstrates informal learning programs are highly effective for STEM learning and engagement early and often is crucial to sparking and sustaining youth STEM career inter
Youth Spend 80% Outside the Classroom
Youth spend the majority of their time (80%) outside the classroom and informal learning programs provide a ripe opportunity to leverage existing national infrastructure to reach m