Home > Resources Opportunities Afterschool Programs: Implement New STEM Learning Journeys and Qualify for a Stipend January 20, 2026 In partnership with Verizon™, STEM Next has launched a new set of online Learning Journeys to help afterschool educators more easily implement relevant, high-quality STEM learning in their programs. Afterschool programs that choose to complete the Learning Journey focused on nature and sustainability may also be eligible for a stipend of up to $1,500. What are STEM Learning Journeys? These Learning Journeys are bundles of virtual lessons and activities hosted on Verizon’s Innovative Learning HQ platform that STEM Next has optimized for flexible implementation in out-of-school-time settings. They are designed to help educators engage young people in hands-on, meaningful STEM learning without extensive preparation or prior STEM expertise. The new Learning Journeys cover these engaging STEM topics: AI, Ethics & Real-World Use (Grades 5-8) Nature & Sustainability (Grades 3-8) Space, Orbits & Engineering (Grades 4-9) Tech Makers – Circuits & Prototyping (Grades 4-9) How do I access them? The Learning Journeys are available at no cost to participating programs, and any afterschool educator can access them by first providing some basic information about their program through the form below. Once you submit the form, you will receive the direct link to the Learning Journeys on Verizon’s Innovative Learning HQ platform. How do I qualify for the stipend? Programs that complete the five-lesson Nature & Sustainability Learning Journey and submit a brief educator survey will be eligible for a stipend of $500 to $1,500 based on the number of young people engaged in all lessons. Stipends will be awarded on a first-come, first-served basis until funds are fully distributed. To enter the challenge and qualify for a stipend: Complete the form below to access the Learning Journeys on the Verizon VIL HQ portal. Implement the Nature & Sustainability Learning Journey with your youth. A short, asynchronous educator training will be available to assist in implementation. Once you’ve completed the Nature & Sustainability Learning Journey, fill out the educator survey right away to qualify for the stipend. This will be emailed to you two weeks after you submit the interest form. Stipends are based on the number of youth who engage in the learning journey: Up to 20 youth: $500 30 or more youth: $1,000 40 or more youth: $1,500 Ready to get started? Fill out this form and begin your journey today! Access the Learning Journeys These learning journeys make lessons accessible, allowing all afterschool educators to implement fun ways to integrate STEM in their programs. Additional learning journeys will be available later this spring. Questions? Reach our team at info@stemnext.org.
