Developing a STEM Afterschool Program

KEY POINTS

• Find funding for your program.
• Design your program to fit your school’s needs and budget.
• Plan hands-on activities that encourage creativity.
• Advertise your program and generate interest.

After-school STEM programs enhance in-school education while also allowing students to explore STEM interests in what is often a more fun, exciting way, outside the normal structure of a classroom setting. Despite the benefits, the addition of an after-school STEM program is often avoided due to high cost, limited access to STEM-educated advisors, and a lack of developed curriculum for activities. We have ways to navigate around these concerns and start an effective after-school STEM program.

PRE-PROGRAM PREPARATION

Expense is typically the primary concern when starting any new program. New equipment, venue access, and activity development all require the investment of money. Starting small is often encouraged in order to stick to a school’s budget, however, there are a variety of ways to gain funding and ease financial stress. The national conversation surrounding STEM is currently abuzz and federal funding is becoming increasingly available to begin projects, such as after-school programs. Organizations like Afterschool Alliance often provide up-to-date information on funding opportunities for after-school programs to make the search easier. Additional sources of funding for equipment or trips can come from a variety of places, like community grants. Charging a small membership fee for each student involved can also help to raise funds for activities.

DESIGNING THE FRAMEWORK AND PLANNING ACTIVITIES

Once funding has been managed, it is time to design a program that will engage students. For after-school programs to be successful, they must be carefully planned and implemented by an advisor. The advisor doesn’t necessarily need extensive STEM experience to begin, as there is a plethora of information on this subject available to them. To begin, develop a subject of focus like coding, robotics, or science to serve as a foundation on which to build subsequent activities. Successful activities are often challenging, creative, knowledge-building, and fun. Pinterest can be a good starting point when looking for lesson plans and STEM activities. Other organizations, like 4-H, also offer after-school activity ideas and lesson plans.

SPREAD THE WORD

Once your after-school program has been designed, it’s time to recruit members. Reaching out to the community is a good place to start. Seek out organizations that can sponsor your after-school program and promote its activities to get the word out. Another great tool to utilize is social media. Use it to promote your group without increasing your expenses. As word travels, you will see your program slowly start to expand and evolve.

— Dr. Jake Roark