Why STEM?

“In a world ever more driven by technology, the state's ability to interest and educate students in fields related to math and science is becoming crucial. As a result, "STEM"—which stands for science, technology, engineering, and mathematics—is an increasingly important acronym. From the White House to Sacramento, and from the boardroom to the classroom, "STEM" is on everyone's lips.” –-EdSource, 2011--

What is the STEM in OST Initiative?

The California Afterschool Network (CAN), with support and partnership from the S.D. Bechtel Jr. Foundation, the Noyce Foundation, and the Samueli Foundation seek to increase opportunities for high-quality STEM learning for youth in California’s Out-of-School Time (OST) programs that are:

• Student Centered 
• Inquiry and Project-based
• Complimentary to academic curriculum
• Engaging 
• Integrating Diverse Subject Matter
• Equitable and accessible for all students

The JumpStarting STEM Pilot is well under way.

With support from the California Department of Education’s After School Programs Division, the AfterSchool Network has implemented a pilot effort operating in 17 after school programs in all 11 regions of California, representing over 250 sites.  Participating programs are receiving access to curriculum and ongoing in-person and virtual professional development.  These efforts will support site level implementation of 30-60 hours of quality STEM curricular programming with consistent student participation.  The pilot is undergoing a rigorous evaluation, and results from the pilot will inform the overall STEM in OST initiative.