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About STEM in Afterschool

What is STEM and Why it Matters in Afterschool

STEM stands for science, technology, engineering, and math - but it's more than just subjects. It's a hands-on, real-world approach to learning that helps students develop problem-solving skills and explore future careers.

Afterschool and summer programs are essential for STEM learning, offering students meaningful experiences outside the classroom where they can experiment, explore, and grow. With 80% of a child's waking hours spent outside of school, these programs provide vital opportunities for youth in communities across West Virginia .

STEM education is critical for the future workforce and everyday life. STEM jobs are growing twice as fast as non-STEM jobs and offer higher wages, but beyond careers, STEM literacy helps young people understand and engage with the world around them. By connecting schools, communities, and businesses, afterschool STEM programs are shaping the next generation of innovators and informed citizens.

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STEM in West Virginia

According to the America After 3PM survey, 24,696 children in West Virginia participate in an afterschool program and 22,277 children have opportunities to participate in STEM learning in those programs.

West Virginia parents value STEM learning in afterschool and summer programs:

    A young woman holds the full moon in her hands.
  • 73% of parents agree STEM learning in afterschool helps kids gain interest and skills related to STEM.
  • 78% of parents report STEM and computer science are an important factor when selecting their child's afterschool program.

Impact of STEM Programs

Afterschool programs play a major role in providing meaningful science, technology, engineering, and math (STEM) learning experiences for youth. These subjects help students succeed in school and prepare them for careers which are driving global economic growth.

Nationwide, states and schools are engaging diverse partners like afterschool programs, libraries, museums, universities, and businesses to ensure students have access to high-quality STEM education. By fully utilizing the hours outside of school, and taking an all hands on deck approach to maximize collective impact, we can ensure our students are prepared for the future.

Afterschool STEM Offers Unique Benefits

  • Extra exposure: Children spend less than 20 percent of their waking hours in school. Afterschool STEM can almost double the amount of time some students have to question, tinker, learn, and explore STEM topics.
  • Change of scene: Afterschool STEM engages students in hands-on, real-world projects. These programs offer innovative ways for students to practice STEM skills in an informal space. This makes STEM more accessible, more interesting, and helps to build fluency, much like immersing oneself in a new language.
  • A chance to follow their spark: High-quality afterschool STEM cultivates interest, builds real STEM skills, and helps students connect STEM to their lives and communities.