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Nominate a STEM program to be featured in America's Afterschool Storybook

 
Dear STEM professional,
 
As you are well aware, literacy and proficiency in science, technology, engineering and math (STEM) are increasingly the currency for successful participation in modern society and the workplace. However, U.S. students are lagging far behind their international peers in these areas, which is of great concern to parents, teachers, policy makers and employers alike. Eighty percent of future jobs will require at least some STEM literacy and skills, yet only 32% of current U.S. undergraduates are graduating with a bachelor’s degree in science or engineering. 
Schools can’t tackle this problem by themselves; students spend less than 20% of their waking hours in a classroom. A number of studies show that STEM learning during the school day is necessary but not sufficient for lifelong STEM literacy-that’s where afterschool comes in. Afterschool programs are complementary partners in the STEM education effort with an overall focus on the whole child and the flexibility to offer hands on, student-driven activities which have been shown to lead to much more positive student attitudes towards science and science careers. That’s why the Afterschool Alliance, along with the National AfterSchool Association and the National Summer Learning Association, have pledged to make 2011 the Year of Science in Afterschool.
As a part of this effort, the Afterschool Alliance is looking to highlight exceptional afterschool programs that offer a successful STEM curriculum in our Afterschool Storybook. America's Afterschool Storybook tells the stories of people and communities transformed by afterschool programs.
If you have an afterschool story to share or would like to nominate a program from your community to be featured, we want to hear from you! Perhaps growing up there was an afterschool program that first sparked your interest in STEM, or a program you see currently making a marked difference in your community? Submit your story now or for more information e-mail info@afterschoolalliance.org.
Thank you for your interest and support for expanding STEM in afterschool.