Our Core Principles
All young people deserve access to high-quality afterschool STEM programs.
High-quality afterschool STEM programs are a good investment for young people, families, communities, and our nation.
High-quality afterschool STEM learning centers equity and the lived experiences of young people.
Our Policy Priorities
Core Policy Priorities
1. Increase Access to High-Quality Afterschool STEM Programs for Every Student.
2. Facilitate High-Quality Programming through Partnerships and Professional Development.
3. Acknowledge & Highlight the Role of Afterschool STEM Programs.
Read the details and policy recommendations here
Advancing Afterschool STEM for Older Youth
We work to ensure afterschool STEM programs are supported in serving middle and high school age youth. Our older youth policy agenda focuses on advancing policies that ensure there are multiple pathways into STEM, meaningful work and leadership opportunities, and incentive structures that enhance and expand mentorship through community partnerships. We prioritize STEM-based training and workforce opportunities for older youth through programs such as Perkins CTE, Department of Labor funding streams such as the Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act, and others.
Chapter 4 of the America After 3PM STEM Report Focuses on Older Youth Credit for Learning in AfterschoolSupporting Afterschool STEM in Rural Communities
According to the America After 3PM 2025 report, 75% of parents in rural areas agree that afterschool programs help children develop STEM skills and interests, yet access remains out of reach for too many families. We are working to increase federal and state investments, encourage partnerships with STEM-rich institutions, and expand diverse program models throughout rural areas to increase access to high-quality afterschool STEM.
Chapter 3 of the America After 3PM STEM Report Focuses on Rural Areas Research on rural afterschool STEMAfterschool STEM & Artificial Intelligence Literacy
As momentum around AI education policy continues to grow at the federal level, the Afterschool STEM Hub is working to make sure afterschool programs — and the educators who run them — have a seat at the table. Every young person deserves access to learning about emerging technologies, and afterschool programs play a critical role in making that happen.
AI Policy Brief Recommendations for the 2025 National AI R&D Strategic Plan Program Spotlight: STEMarts LabStrong advocates are well informed about important policy conversations, understand how specific policies impact their missions, and have expertise and ideas for how policy can be best implemented. Whether you are looking to impact policy on the local, state, or federal level, the Afterschool STEM Hub aims to be a resource to help navigate that terrain. For guidance on developing your own policies, here are some helpful Guideposts.