With our nationwide network of local and state partners, we spark young people's curiosity and confidence in STEM through hands-on learning opportunities beyond the classroom.
The Institute is driving innovation in the field of afterschool and summer STEM to revolutionize how young people explore and prepare for STEM careers. Through its Centers of Excellence, the Institute connects youth to high-opportunity fields—from advanced technology to aerospace—by aligning hands-on learning with real-world career pathways.
Inspires youth to explore AI, advanced manufacturing, and the cutting-edge tech shaping our digital world.
Connects youth to big ideas in aerospace, geoscience, and the future of space exploration
Engages youth in the science of healing, discovery, and innovation in human health and biotech.
The Flight Crew is a youth ambassador program of STEM Next elevating young voices in STEM to inspire their peers and demonstrate that STEM is for everyone and happens everywhere.
The Million Girls Moonshot seeks to re-imagine who can engineer, who can build, who can make. We give afterschool and summer programs the proven tools they need to create rich, supportive STEM experiences so all youth — especially girls — can explore, create, and envision themselves as future innovators.
STEM Next Opportunity Fellows serve in government agencies to strengthen out-of-school STEM learning, connect communities to state and national efforts, and expand access to critical resources.
Teen Science Cafés are teen-led events where youth explore real-world STEM topics, meet scientists and other STEM professionals, and build confidence through casual, hands-on learning.
Imagine Science unites national youth organizations and local communities to deliver engaging, hands-on STEM experiences that inspire curiosity and expand opportunity.
We partner with leading research institutions to design targeted initiatives that address critical needs in Out-of-School-Time STEM. These efforts transform research into actionable strategies, helping providers build stronger pathways, empower families, and expand opportunities for youth.
Developed through a collaboration between the Connected Learning Lab at UC Irvine, STEM Next, and regional partners, Making Connections is a research-based framework that offers practical strategies to bridge STEM learning across contexts.
The Family Engagement Project equips programs, partners, and families with strategies to strengthen youth interest and persistence in STEM. By making family engagement central to STEM education, we can unlock the full potential of every child.
