STEM

What Is STEM?

STEM is an acronym for Science, Technology, Engineering, and Math. But STEM education is far more than an acronym. It’s a philosophy of education that embraces teaching skills and subjects in a way that resembles real life. STEM skills are durable skills that encourage life-long learning, critical thinking, problem-solving, and other skills that can be translated into successful careers and futures.

Why Is STEM Important?

The outlook for STEM careers is strong, with job growth projected to outpace non-STEM fields, high demand for workers, and higher median salaries. The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics projects STEM jobs to grow by about 10.4% between 2023 and 2033, creating millions of new positions, with the technology sector - particularly computer and information security - expected to lead the way. Wages for STEM occupations are also much higher than for non-STEM occupations, providing financial security and a pathway to independence for students from low-income communities.

Providing greater opportunities for STEM learning isn’t just about preparing the future workforce. As our world continues to rely more on technology, we all require a greater level of STEM literacy and fluency. Greater STEM literacy also helps prepare students to better understand challenges and issues that affect them and their communities.

Why STEM In Afterschool?

Research has found that students who experience the real-world relevance of STEM had 1.8 times the odds of aspiring to STEM careers at the end of high school compared with controls (Kitchen et al., 2018). It is vital that students build an identity within STEM and feel represented within the field.

Several studies highlight the importance of giving youth opportunities to engage with STEM on their own terms with the flexibility not allowed during the typical school day, showcasing how afterschool can fill this need in supporting STEM identities (Krishnamurthi et al., 2014). According to the America After 3PM survey, more than half a million Florida children participate in an afterschool program, yet a third of children still do not have opportunities to participate in STEM learning in those programs.

All students need opportunities to engage in quality STEM learning experiences. Over the last decade, afterschool programs have become a cornerstone in providing STEM learning for students from all backgrounds in all regions of the country. These programs spark students’ interest in STEM and computer science, expose them to future careers, and support school-day learning - all while developing a new generation of problem solvers.