⏪ Rewind: Leading in STEM, An October Reflection 🍂

It was a busy October for STEM Next. We launched the nationwide search for the next cohort of youth ambassadors and elevated youth voices by celebrating #GirlsLeadSTEM month. 

We inspired young women during World Space Week and learned more about math from the perspectives of young people. We reviewed research tips for out-of-school time (OST) programs to showcase their value and empowered families.  

We reflected on OST's provision of safe spaces to nurture student mental health and social-emotional skills, as well as shared a brief filled with workforce development strategies for afterschool STEM programs. 

It was certainly a time for leading in STEM! Enjoy our rewind below.

Sincerely,

Ron Ottinger, Executive Director, STEM Next Opportunity Fund

Role Models: Space Week and Beyond

In honor of World Space Week, Lockheed Martin and STEM Next partnered up to engage the Million Girls Moonshot Flight Crew in a conversation with female professionals working within Lockheed’s Space Division. Almost 20 Flight Crew members, ages 13-18, learned more about the career trajectories of Lockheed’s top talent working in space. Hear what these role models had to say.

Panasonic North America’s Vice President of Social Impact, Alejandra Ceja, made way for the future of STEM in a powerful speech at the showcase event of the Million Girls Moonshot - Girls Build Solutions™. 

Finally, volunteers from Intel Corporation reminded us about the most important reasons to serve as role models for young people. 

Afterschool Fuels Future STEM Careers

Jobs for the Future (JFF) and STEM Next Opportunity Fund share the vision of out-of-school-time STEM learning as a meaningful way to address the nation's workforce gaps. Learn more with a recent brief released: Investing in Out-of-School Time STEM is an Investment in a Robust, Diverse STEM Workforce.

The Student Mental Health Crisis: How Out-Of-School Time Programs Can Help

Afterschool programs have always been safe spaces to build social-emotional skills alongside learning and interacting with others. Recognizing the contributions and importance of out-of-school activities is critical to expanding access to more students, ensuring that all young people can better manage their mental health. Learn more about the current crisis and how to leverage learning outside the classroom to support more students.

Calling Young People Across the Nation Ready to Champion Out-of-School STEM Learning

The nationwide search for the 2024 Flight Crew is on until December 1st, with a call for youth advocates, ready to promote the value of out-of-school STEM learning and equity in STEM.

Selected youth will publicly share their stories to inspire others to pursue out-of-school STEM learning while honing their public speaking, advocacy, and leadership skills during eight months of virtual programming.

By amplifying youth voices in the national conversation around STEM equity, the Flight Crew advances the Million Girls Moonshot’s aim to engage millions more girls in STEM by allowing them to see themselves as builders, engineers, and innovators.

Spark Curiosity in 20 Million More Kids

This #GivingTuesday and Holiday season, help us inspire 20 million more young people with hands-on STEM learning opportunities that spark imagination and prepare youth for the future. Find 20 friends and join us!