Making the case: Afterschool STEM

STEM literacy skills are needed now. Afterschool STEM opportunities spark STEM learning and prepare our nation’s youth.

Since students spend more than 80 percent of their waking hours outside of a formal classroom, afterschool, summer, and other out-of-school time programs are 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 actvities build teamwork, colaboration, and communications 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.

• There is now a significant body of research and evaluation studies that show high-quality afterschool STEM programs not only successfully engage youth in STEM but help them develop a sense of identity and belonging in STEM.


• We are not fully tapping into the pool of available STEM talent. We need to expand our reach, and we can’t leave anyone out.


• A majority of parents (73 percent) with children in afterschool programs report that their children receive some form of STEM activities in their programs, and more than 70 percent of parents report that STEM learning opportunities were important when selecting their child’s afterschool program.

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.