STEM Next Joins Partners to Form Scholarship Granting Organization for Afterschool

STEM Next Opportunity Fund is joining forces with the Afterschool Alliance, BellXcel, and the National Summer Learning Association to establish a new national scholarship granting organization (SGO) that will help more families access high-quality afterschool and summer programs.

The partners are responding to the opportunity presented by the new Federal Scholarship Tax Credit, creating a way for taxpayers to direct contributions toward scholarships that help eligible families access high-quality afterschool and summer programs offering STEM exploration, career discovery and more. Scholarships will support programs offering STEM exploration, career discovery, hands-on learning, enrichment, tutoring and more.

The new SGO will prioritize 3 commitments:

• High-quality learning: Supporting engaging afterschool and summer programs that strengthen academic skills, spark curiosity, encourage STEM and career exploration, build confidence, and foster positive relationships.
• Supporting working families: Helping parents access safe, reliable, and enriching programs that give them peace of mind and support their ability to work.
• Expanding access: Removing financial barriers so more children can learn, grow, and thrive beyond the school day.

The founding organizations are laying the groundwork for the new SGO, with more details expected in early 2027.

Learn more about this collaborative effort on the Afterschool Alliance’s website.