Afterschool STEM Hub

The Maine Mathematics and Science Alliance recently launched its free resource website for the Afterschool Coaching for Reflective Educators in STEM (ACRES) project. The site is designed to empower afterschool, summer, and other out-of-school leaders to coach educators, helping them confidently facilitate STEM experiences that inspire and engage students. We are constantly advocating for policies supportive of high-quality professional development for afterschool STEM educators so resources such as this can remain available and accessible for the field. Check out the ACRES resource, share it around, and start exploring today! https://lnkd.in/eN5z5RqG

Happy Youth Voice Week! One way afterschool STEM programs engage youth in STEM is by making it accessible and relevant. Last month, in collaboration with the Collective for Youth Empowerment in STEM & Society (CYESS), we held a listening session with youth from across the Nation about their perspectives on the future of STEM education and the role of afterschool. Check out what one student from New Mexico shared about how she feels students should be taught that STEM can be very interdisciplinary.

Our next STEM Talk will be April 23rd at 2pm ET. Join us in learning critical insights about the top STEM priorities to influential decision-makers. Our speakers from the STEM Education Coalition and Bose Public Affairs hope to equip you with practical approaches for navigating the current STEM advocacy landscape. We look forward to seeing you there! You can register and submit your questions at the following link: https://lnkd.in/eSvmEfr8

The National Girls Collaborative recently released its annual State of Girls & Women in STEM, a high-level summary of the most compelling statistics and research on the state of girls and women in STEM. They note that while advancements have been achieved, it is essential to continue creating opportunities and pathways for women and girls in STEM. In particular, many girls want to know that what they are doing now and in the future will help others and have a positive impact on society. Afterschool STEM programs provide the perfect learning and exploring space for girls to engage in STEM for good. Read the latest insights in their new report at the following link: https://lnkd.in/eH56aqUH

Science centers, museums, and libraries are a bedrock of informal STEM learning, community engagement, and afterschool STEM programs throughout our wonderful Nation. Many of these programs are supported by the Institute of Museum & Library Services. Recently, the White House signed an Executive Order restricting some of the Institute's activities. You can learn more about the Executive Order at the Association of Science and Technology Centers's resource page below: https://lnkd.in/ebgbaRax

We were delighted to attend the National STEM Festival, hosted by EXPLR, yesterday! It is truly inspiring to see so many young people leveraging STEM for social good and to find ways to solve societal challenges. From projects focused on language preservation and supporting stroke survivors to saving coral reefs and creating biodegradable medical plastics, these National STEM Champions' ideas are just a glimpse into the innovative ideas of young people. We know young people have smart ideas to solve the challenges they see around them. Some have the tools and opportunities--but most do not.?The Afterschool Alliance recognizes this and through our Afterschool STEM Hub and?Collective for Youth Empowerment in STEM & Society (CYESS)?initiatives, we are advocating to expand opportunities for all youth to engage with issues they care about and improve their communities. Learn more about the National STEM Festival here: https://lnkd.in/g7npu73z

Yesterday, the White House signed an Executive Order directing the Secretary of Education to take steps to close the U.S. Department of Education. Check out the blog below to learn of implications for afterschool, a variety of updated evidence supporting the need for afterschool, and what you can do to ensure afterschool programs are supported and funded.

This is exciting! Are you an afterschool student or alum? Send your afterschool STEM story to [email protected] for a chance to be featured during Youth Voice Week this year! Stories are key to ensuring supportive policies and financial support, so let your voice be heard!

Have you been wondering, "What exactly is CYESS?" — allow us to reintroduce ourselves! We are Collective for Youth Empowerment in STEM & Society (CYESS), a project of the Afterschool Alliance, and we believe youth have the power to improve their communities for the better. But how can we equip and empower young people to take on the challenges they see around them? Through civic engagement and #STEM learning in afterschool. Learn more about who we are, why we're doing this work, and how you can get involved. ??