Home > Resources Tools How to Incorporate AI in Afterschool: Insights and Resources from our Hour of AI Webinar March 23, 2026 As educators look to bring more artificial intelligence (AI) learning into their programs, STEM Next and Code.org came together this week for a webinar ahead of National AI Literacy Day on March 26 to offer insights and resources on how best to bring AI into afterschool settings. We heard from our partners at Code.org’s Hour of AI and Qualcomm that while educator interest is high, confidence is still catching up. The session focused on making AI approachable, practical, and meaningful for youth, without requiring educators to be experts. Here are the top insights that attendees came away with during this informative session: 1. Start with curiosity, not expertise Educators don’t need a technical background in AI to begin. Getting comfortable starts with exploration: trying tools firsthand, asking questions, and learning alongside young people. When educators model curiosity, they create a more open and engaging environment for students to do the same. 2. Focus on understanding, not just using tools AI literacy goes beyond interacting with technology. It’s about helping youth understand how AI works, where it shows up in their daily lives, and how to use it responsibly. Building awareness around ethics, safety, and real-world applications is just as important as hands-on use. 3. Connect AI learning to careers, not just content The webinar reinforced that AI isn’t just a standalone topic; it’s increasingly embedded across different STEM subjects and career pathways. Introducing AI early helps young people see how it applies to a wide range of roles in society, from healthcare and education to creative industries and skilled trades. This kind of exposure can demystify emerging careers and help students connect what they’re learning to real-world opportunities. 4. Use the growing ecosystem of free resources The field of AI education is evolving quickly, with new tools and interdisciplinary lessons emerging regularly. Educators are not starting from scratch. There is a rapidly expanding set of free, high-quality resources designed to support engaging and approachable AI learning experiences. Code.org has created several resources, including the Mix & Move with AI lesson plan highlighted during the session. Other free AI resources from Code.org include: Curriculum Catalog AI 101 Workshops Self-paced Professional Learning STEM Next, in partnership with Verizon, is also expanding access to AI learning through a new Learning Journey designed for afterschool and summer programs. The AI, Ethics, and Real-World Use Learning Journey helps young people explore how AI is shaping the world around them while introducing concepts like responsible use and real-world applications. Designed to be flexible and easy to implement, it supports educators in leading hands-on experiences that connect AI to everyday life and future careers. Explore this and other Verizon Learning Journeys here. ___ Events like AI Literacy Day offer an accessible starting point for introducing youth to AI learning. The resources developed by STEM Next and our partners equip educators of any background to facilitate engaging, low-pressure experiences that build confidence, introduce core concepts, and allow programs to test and refine their approach before expanding into deeper or longer-term learning. This work is made possible with leadership support from Qualcomm, whose partnership with STEM Next is helping expand access to AI learning and future-ready skills through afterschool and summer programs nationwide. You can view the full webinar recording and receive the slide deck presentation by filling out this short form below:
