Afterschool programs are essential partners in STEM education, offering engaging STEM enrichment experiences that support and enhance what is learned during the school day. Research shows that high-quality afterschool STEM programs can improve academic outcomes, increase college and career readiness, and foster positive youth development.
The most recent Science and Engineering Indicators report makes clear that STEM fluency matters across educational backgrounds and occupations, not just traditional STEM careers. And, STEM occupations are projected to grow by more than 8% by 2034 — more than twice the rate of other fields — but the case for STEM goes beyond jobs. Every community needs STEM-literate citizens capable of engaging with and helping solve the critical issues shaping our society. This aligns with what we know about today's youth: they are motivated by contributing to their communities and solving real-world problems. Afterschool STEM programs meet them there — offering an entry point that connects STEM to civic purpose, sustaining interest in STEM careers and civic engagement alike.
Nationwide, afterschool programs are already preparing young people for the future workforce and citizenry by building technical STEM skills alongside the durable human skills employers increasingly demand: critical and creative thinking, adaptability, resilience, and curiosity. The World Economic Forum's Future of Jobs Report reinforces the importance of these core skills, stating that by 2030, analytical thinking, AI literacy, and creative thinking will be among the most sought-after competencies across sectors.
While the future is unpredictable, afterschool STEM equips students with the durable skills needed to be successful and productive members of society, regardless of whether they join the STEM workforce. Afterschool STEM programs are not a luxury but a necessity! By supporting afterschool STEM programs, we can ensure that all students have access to high-quality STEM education and opportunities to help them and our communities thrive in this rapidly changing landscape.
For more resources to make the case for afterschool STEM, visit the Afterschool STEM Hub and the Collective for Youth Empowerment in STEM & Society, where afterschool STEM advocates can find talking points, messaging tips, infographics, fact sheets, and more.
STEM literacy skills are essential. Afterschool STEM programs prepare our nation’s youth to participate productively in the modern world.
Students spend more than 80% of their waking hours outside of a formal classroom, making afterschool, summer, and other out-of-school time programs crucial partners in STEM education.
Just like learning a new language, young people must be immersed in STEM to become fluent. Quality afterschool STEM programs provide the opportunity for youth-led experimentation, investigation, and analysis, without fear of failure. In addition to teaching STEM skills, these kinds of activities build teamwork, collaboration, and communication skills and help youth connect STEM to things that matter to them, even using STEM tools to solve problems in their communities.
The current system of afterschool STEM opportunities is patchy. Some students are in places with lots of access to STEM learning opportunities, but others are in STEM learning dead zones. Afterschool programs can help connect students – whether in urban, suburban, or rural communities – to powerful STEM learning opportunities. By investing in and partnering with afterschool programs, we can build a robust STEM learning environment in every community that will expand access for all young people.
Afterschool STEM learning opportunities play a proven role in helping kids gain STEM interests and skills. Talking about afterschool in the context of STEM is a great way to link afterschool to a number of important issues that voters, candidates and policy makers care about. Below are suggested talking points to share with candidates to help them make the connection between afterschool and STEM.
Parents across the U.S. are increasingly wanting these opportunities available for their children. The need for a diverse array of STEM skills and knowledge is more important than ever. Supporting and increasing investments in afterschool, summer, and other out-of-school time STEM is an effective way to reach a multitude of young people who would otherwise be left out.
Through project-based learning, Scientiae is a leader in integrating AI and Machine Learning skills development into its programming for middle and high school youth. With a focus on inquiry and critical thinking, students work collaboratively to design resolutions to complex problems. A critical component of Scientiae’s model is working with students to explore the impacts of AI on society and decision-making, and to incorporate how ethical frameworks guide its development.
The Gary Comer Youth Center supports young people’s academic success, STEM enrichment, and college and career preparation. With a focus on career-connected learning, youth explore their own interests in STEM, gaining technical skills and earning transferable credits and workforce certifications. In addition to providing youth with coaches and STEM mentors, every high school student receives a stipend for participation. Through community partnerships, the program also facilitates paid internships and apprenticeships at local STEM businesses and organizations.
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The Afterschool Alliance is working to ensure that all children have access to affordable, quality afterschool programs. Afterschool programs are critical to children and families today, yet the need for programs is far from being met. Learn more
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