News & Announcements STEM Next Founding Executive Director Ron Ottinger Receives Catalyst Award from Grantmakers for Education STEM Next’s founding executive director receives this national award for his leadership in afterschool STEM ahead of his retirement at the end of 2026. October 16, 2026 Learn More
News & Announcements STEM Next Names National STEM Education Leader Melissa Moritz as Next CEO STEM Next is proud to announce that Melissa Moritz, a nationally recognized STEM education leader, has been selected as the organization’s next CEO. October 1, 2026 Learn More
News & Announcements The Hustle Guide: Career Chat Explores How Teens Can Land Their First Internships, Mentorships and Jobs Teens from across the country got practical advice on landing internships, the importance of mentors, and what to expect in the earliest stages of their… October 26, 2026 Learn More
Opportunities Community in Nature Prize Challenge 2026: Connecting Nature & Careers Through Afterschool Enter by December 10 for a chance to win $5,000 for your program! October 13, 2026 Learn More
Tools New Eyes on Health Toolkit for Afterschool Educators: Connect Youth to Health and Life Sciences Careers The Eyes on Health Toolkit gives educators ready-to-use resources that open young people’s eyes to the wide range of careers in health and life sciences. September 22, 2026 Learn More
News & Announcements Jackie Schirmer, President of Congruex Network Services, Named Chair of STEM Next Board of Directors STEM Next has named Jacquelyn “Jackie” Schirmer Chair of its Board of Directors, beginning a new chapter of leadership for the organization. September 16, 2026 Learn More
Tools Career Profiles to Help Connect Youth to STEM Careers in Afterschool STEM Next has developed a new set of career profiles to help youth explore career paths in STEM. Each profile introduces a different profession, explains… September 10, 2026 Learn More
Tools 10 Afterschool STEM Activities for All Grade Levels That Connect Learning to Careers STEM Next is excited to debut a new resource for afterschool and summer educators: The Out-of-School Time Top Ten Activity Bundle. Career-connected learning helps youth… Learn More
News & Announcements Now Boarding the 2027 STEM Next Flight Crew: Teens Invited to Apply for National Youth Leadership Program Applications are now open for teens ages 13–18 with experience in afterschool or summer STEM learning. Apply by October 29, 2026. September 9, 2026 Learn More
Tools Launching Futures Toolkit: A New Aerospace Industry Career Learning Hub powered by RTX STEM Next is proud to introduce the Launching Futures Toolkit powered by RTX. Created specifically for afterschool and summer programs. September 1, 2026 Learn More
Press Releases Panasonic Foundation and STEM Next Launch National AI Challenge to Empower High School Students as Future Innovators Program helps develop AI literacy, strengthen durable skills, and prepare for STEM and AI-enabled careers with up to $5,000 awarded for out-of-school-time programs August 18, 2026 Learn More
Opportunities STEM Next and Panasonic Foundation Launch AI Innovation Challenge for Afterschool Programs Enter for a chance to win up to $5,000 for your program! Submissions due by November 19, 2026 Learn More
