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Afterschool Research: STEM

Science, technology, engineering, and math (STEM) skills are increasingly important—afterschool can play a significant role

Afterschool STEM programs are a growing part of the K-12 education landscape. Our research captures how vital STEM learning in afterschool can be and documents the impact afterschool has on young people's lives.

Afterschool and summer programs are offering engaging, hands-on STEM learning programs that are not only getting children excited about these topics, but are also helping them build some real-life skills and proficiencies. There is mounting evidence from a diverse set of afterschool programs that demonstrates the impact of out-of-school time settings.

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What afterschool STEM does best: How stakeholders describe youth learning outcomes (Fall 2013) Authors: Anita Krishnamurthi (Afterschool Alliance), Bronwyn Bevan (Exploratorium), Jen Rinehart (Afterschool Alliance), & Vicky Ragan Coulon (Evaluation & Research Associates) An articulation of how afterschool programs contribute to STEM interest, capacity and values in youth participants. From the Fall 2013 issue of Afterschool Matters. STEM	Go to Resource
This is afterschool STEM (JUNE 2019) A one-pager that makes the case for afterschool STEM using the latest research. 21st CCLC STEM	Download
This is Afterschool STEM (2021) An updated one-pager that makes the case for afterschool STEM using the latest research. STEM	Download
This is Afterschool STEM (2019) Jobs in the science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) fields power our economy and build shared prosperity among our society. Investing in afterschool and summer STEM learning programs will help students explore their interests, build skills, connect with mentors, and prepare for jobs in growing fields like health care, information technology, and cybersecurity.	Download
The impact of afterschool STEM: Examples from the field (November 2016) Afterschool programs can support students’ success in STEM in a multitude of ways—by helping them become interested and engaged, develop tangible STEM skills, and begin to see themselves as potential contributors to the STEM enterprise. This report compiles evaluation data from 15 strong afterschool programs—diverse in size, structure, and approach—providing a snapshot of the impact that afterschool programs across the U.S. are having on youth today.	Download
Students learn more with afterschool STEM (April 2018) A one-pager that makes the case for afterschool STEM using the latest research.	Download
Students Achieve More with Afterschool STEM (June 2017) A one-pager that makes the case for afterschool STEM using the latest research. STEM	Download
STEM Ready America: Inspiring and Preparing Students for Success with Afterschool and Summer Learning (March 2017) STEM Ready America, a compendium from 40 authors, presents the evidence for how afterschool STEM programs are preparing young people to be successful in school today and the workforce tomorrow. In addition to current research, the compendium includes real-world examples of effective practices, programs, and partnerships. STEM	Go to Resource
STEM Ready America: Inspiring and Preparing Students for Success with Afterschool and Summer Learning (March 2017) STEM Ready America, a compendium from 40 authors, presents the evidence for how afterschool STEM programs are preparing young people to be successful in school today and the workforce tomorrow. In addition to current research, the compendium includes real-world examples of effective practices, programs, and partnerships. STEM	Go to Resource
STEM learning in afterschool: Ready to soar (July/August 2012) Authors: Anita Krishnamurthi & Ramya Sankar (Afterschool Alliance) This article appeared originally in Association of Science-Technology Center’s (ASTC) Dimensions magazine. Reposted with permission from ASTC. STEM	Go to Resource