The Coalition For Science After School

Become an Advocate

It requires a collaborative effort to make high-quality afterschool science, technology, engineering and math education available and accessible to all youth.

• After school care providers commit to making STEM education an integral component of their programs. They must pursue effective curricula, staff development and program assessment to ensure the best possible learning environment.
• Informal science institutions actively engage community partners that serve youth with otherwise limited access to STEM learning opportunities. These centers must continue to develop high-quality resources that support after school science programs.
• Funders and policymakers recognize the value and importance of after school STEM in developing future citizens and workers and dedicate necessary funding to the development and distribution of high-quality programs.
• Parents and family members ensure that their community provides superior STEM education opportunities. Additionally these caregivers should encourage their children to avail themselves of these opportunities, as STEM education is critical to future success in the classroom and beyond.

We invite you to join the Coalition as we work to increase awareness across communities of the importance of science education beyond the classroom. We must communicate the vast untapped potential of the afterschool learning environment to develop student interest and prepare them for academic success and future careers in science.

Highlighted resources:

• The Coalition for Science After School Fact Sheet
• Issue Brief: Afterschool Programs: At the STEM of Learning
• Blueprint for Science After School
• Making Science Cool (TASC)