Exploring what’s next in tech—from AI to advanced manufacturing—with STEM experiences that spark innovation.
The Next Level Tech Center of Excellence connects young people with immersive STEM experiences that introduce youth to the tools and ideas driving tomorrow’s tech. Through afterschool and summer programs, we’re equipping youth with the foundational skills and real-world exposure they need to thrive in fast-growing fields like information technology, cybersecurity, and artificial intelligence. From coding and data science to ethical hacking and chip design, we’re making advanced technology approachable and exciting for all youth.
Julianna
2024 Flight Crew, Rhode Island
Experts agree: as technology evolves, human talent becomes even more valuable. Despite rapid advancements in artificial intelligence, research from the Harvard Business Review to the World Economic Forum shows that skills like creativity, critical thinking, and emotional intelligence will remain essential—and irreplaceable. From ethical decision-makers to innovative problem-solvers, the future of tech needs people. That’s why preparing youth today with these durable skills is more important than ever.
The median annual wage for tech roles was $104,420 in May 2023—more than double the $48,060 median wage across all occupations. Source: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics
Tech occupations in roles like IT and software development are expected to see hundreds of thousands of openings each year, driven by growth and workforce turnover. Source: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics
Yet one-third of U.S. workers lack even basic digital literacy—leaving millions unprepared for the modern workforce. Source: National Skills Coalition
That’s nearly seven times faster than the average for all occupations—making it one of the fastest-growing fields in the U.S. Source: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics
Through a partnership with Verizon, STEM Next curated hands-on STEM Learning Journeys designed specifically for afterschool and summer programs. We provide high-quality lessons on topics like game design, block coding, and artificial intelligence to fit the unique needs of out-of-school time learning—making them easy to use, engaging for youth, and aligned with real-world tech careers.
Together, we have reached 10,000 youth with interactive, career-connected STEM experiences that build confidence, spark curiosity, and develop skills for the future of work.
Afterschool and summer STEM programs are essential to preparing youth for an AI-driven future by helping them understand AI, experiment safely, and develop durable skills employers demand.
Here are the toolkits, strategies and activities available through the Next Level Tech Center of Excellence.
The Manufacturing Institute has developed The Quest for the Crystal of Innovation…
In partnership with Verizon™, STEM Next has curated bundles of lessons and…
