‘Supporting each other’s growth:’ Why near-peer mentorship works to build STEM confidence
As we celebrate Mentorship Month this January, we’re focusing on the profound impact that peer mentors can have on young people’s STEM journeys. Near-peer mentorship—where ol
STEM Next Opportunity Fund Names Camsie McAdams as Director of the Institute for a STEM Ready America
STEM Next Opportunity Fund proudly announces Camsie McAdams as the inaugural Director of the Institute for a STEM Ready America, the latest exciting step in STEM Next’s journey t
A Milestone Year: The Million Girls Moonshot Expands Reach and Impact in Year 3
Launched in 2020, the Million Girls Moonshot is a five-year initiative of STEM Next Opportunity Fund aimed at engaging millions more girls and youth across the United States in qua
STEM Next Opportunity Fund Announces Launch of Exploring Career Connections in STEM, Supported by $3.3M U.S. Department of Labor Grant
This press release was issued nationwide on Monday, Sept. 30, 2024. STEM Next Opportunity Fund, a national nonprofit and leading expert in out-of-school time (OST) STEM education,
Embracing Orange Shirt Day: A Connection and the Role of Afterschool Programs
By: Dawn Marie Johnson, Community Advocate, South Dakota Orange Shirt Day is a day that hits home, reminding us of the painful history of the residential school system and the inc
New Mexico’s Quest to Advance Young Women in STEM: Jordyn Montoya’s Story
The New Mexico Out-of-School Time Network (NMOST) was aware of the gender gap in STEM. They knew the research and were motivated to address the issue in the state of New Mexico. Jo
Bridging the Gap Between Traditions and Afterschool: A Personal Journey
By: Dawn Marie Johnson, Community Advocate, South Dakota Life weaves beautiful moments that define who we are, nudging us to act from the heart. For me, the journey of bringing t
Leveraging Wonder
Do you remember what it was like to lay on your back in the sweet grass or a dusty knoll and be transfixed by the wonder of the night sky? I do. Summer nights meant playing outside
Looking Beyond the Classroom to Get Students Back into Learning
Everywhere we turn, we see headlines and stories hyper-focused on student “learning loss” with the release of daunting new data assessing student learning. It can be overwhelmi
Summer of Love for STEM: Seven Fun and Family-Friendly Ideas for a Summer of STEM
Summer is coming. So is the search for ideas to support summer learning. With less structure and more time for self-directed play, summer is an ideal time to encourage children’s