Institute for STEM Ready America

What if the answer to building a STEM-ready generation lies in the powerful learning opportunities that happen outside of school? We believe it does.

When out-of-school-time STEM experiences are intentionally and thoughtfully woven into a workforce development system, we can change the trajectory for more young people. More youth will be excited about STEM, grow their interest and skills, see themselves as belonging in STEM, and be prepared to pursue STEM careers and beyond.

Welcome to the Institute for a STEM Ready America–a bold new endeavor from STEM Next designed to transform out-of-school-time (OST) STEM learning and fuel the next generation workforce by reaching 20 million young people with exciting afterschool and summer learning experiences. 

Our Vision

This ambitious effort will unite over 100,000 afterschool and summer programs with the innovation of industry, philanthropy and policy to reimagine OST STEM. By establishing centers of excellence, the Institute will serve as a hub for best practices and emerging trends, providing the support to turn ideas into action.

Centers of Excellence

At launch, the virtual institute will house four centers of excellence focused on highest-growth and highest-opportunity STEM areas:

  • Next-level technology
  • Life and health sciences
  • Climate action
  • Earth and space learning 

How Will We Get There

To excite 20 million youth across the country, the Institute will:

  • Engage youth and educators nationally to spark young people’s interest in STEM, as well as connect them to exciting educational and career paths.
  • Activate and evaluate quality content to engage every kind of learner and support their development and resilience.
  • Elevate youth voice every step of the way, leveraging young peoples’ experiences and ideas to guide the work.
  • Advance policy and the latest research into practice to further the field of OST STEM.

More information is coming soon! Are you ready to help us change the future for youth everywhere?

Building a STEM-ready generation will take all of us. We need leaders and visionaries in industry, philanthropy, and policy to help us shape the future workforce. The time to act is now. 

Join us