Live STEM Author Webinar and More in Your Moonshot Monday STEM Newsletter!

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Subject: Live STEM Author Webinar and More in Your Moonshot Monday STEM Newsletter!

Examining How Youth-Led STEM Engagement Drives Community Outcomes

Are you an afterschool or out-of-school time (OST) program provider who is working to highlight youth voice and provide community-centered, youth-driven programming? If yes, the Afterschool Alliance wants to hear from you!

As of today, there is limited research on how youth-driven programming impacts youth themselves and almost no research describing the impacts on the communities young people engage with, and the problems they choose to tackle.

The Afterschool Alliance, in partnership with the National Girls Collaborative Project, and the University of Washington, has launched a research study to better understand and document this larger set of outcomes for OST programs that support youth civic engagement through STEM. This work is funded by National Science Foundation Grant No. DRL - 2517238.

This survey consists of 12 questions asking for basic details about your organization, content and goals of your programming and your interest in participating in our research project. Participation in this survey should take approximately 15 minutes of your time. Respondents will be entered into a drawing for a registration to the National Afterschool Association Conference in Washington D.C. in March 2026!

Take the Survey today!

Career-Connected Learning Framework

Afterschool and summer programs provide something school often can't: the freedom to explore, experiment, and connect learning to real life without the added pressures of grades or tests. For many youth, these programs are where early sparks of interest in science, technology, engineering, and math (STEM) begin to take shape.

That's why STEM Next is excited to share a powerful new tool for programs nationwide: the Career-Connected Learning Framework. Designed specifically for out-of-school time providers, this framework helps programs embed career awareness, exploration and preparation into their acitivites in ways that are practical, age-appropriate, and grounded in both research and real-world relevance.

Listen to recordings that dive into the strategies for career-connected learning below:

The Power of Stories

Meet talented authors creating stories that matter! Join NGCP for an interactive conversation with writers who are inspiring curiosity, building confidence, and helping the next generation envision themselves in STEM.

Children's books have the power to counter stereotypes, challenge norms, and open minds to new perspectives and ideas. Join us for a conversation with Terysa Ridgeway, author of the Terysa Solves It books, Dr. Gaby A. Gonzalez, author of Giana's Mission, and Kim Collazo, author of the Emersyn Blake books.

Discover the real-life inspiration behind their characters and gain insight into how these books are actively encouraging young children to embrace their inner scientists, engineers, and innovators. If you are a parent, educator, or caregiver of young children, you won't want to miss this event!

Date: December 18, 2025

Time: 1:00 - 2:00 PM ET

Register here.

Possible Futures Career Exploration Curriculum

Possible Futures - Career Exploration Curriculum: Open source curriculum that complements and enriches both school and afterschool settings 1) expanding career awareness through authentic experiential learning opportunities; 2) encouraging students to explore their diverse interests, talents, and options; 3) enlivening STEM subjects by bringing in real-world and career contexts; 4) empowering students to develop vital employability skills; and 5) engaging students in making informed choices.

Below are some adaptations of the Possible Futures Career Exploration Curriculum specifically for afterschool and summer programs:

Career Exploration Activities: Designed specifically for Out-of-School Time (OST) providers looking for engaging, hands-on, and collaborative activities:
- Health Sciences (6 activities + career posters)
- Information Technology (4 activities)
- Lenses on the Future - Self (7 activities)

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Subject: Live STEM Author Webinar and More in Your Moonshot Monday STEM Newsletter!