Experts Tell Congress Afterschool is Key for Math, Science

At a special Capitol Hill briefing on September 13, experts discussed how afterschool programs teach science, technology, engineering and math (STEM) skills through fun, engaging activities such as computer programming, robotics, and 3-D digital animation. The briefing was held to address the nation's need to keep pace with other industrialized countries in STEM fields, and the role that afterschool programs can play in preparing youth for careers in these fields. The congressional briefing was sponsored by the Coalition for Science After School, the Afterschool Alliance, the National Science Teachers Association and the National Council of Teachers of Mathematics in conjunction with the Senate and House Science, Technology, Engineering and Math (STEM) Education Caucuses and the Senate and House Afterschool Caucuses.

For more information on STEM and afterschool, view the Afterschool Alliance's Issue Brief: "Afterschool programs: At the STEM of learning."