STEAM Programs

We started this because children need more STEAM programs. STEAM stands for Science, Technology, Engineering, Art, and Math. Our kids need and deserve more educational learning experiences, and after-school is a great opportunity to feed their curiosity and instill a love for learning. This is especially helpful to make up for the time children lost due to schools closing, which continues to happen due to the rise of COVID variants.

Here are some benefits and data about STEAM and Extended Learning Time via STEM after-school programs. The Arts Ed Partnership reported that 900 Students who received nine hours of STEAM instruction made improvements in their science achievement. They went from the 50th percentile to the 63rd in the district science assessment.

The Learning Policy Institute reported on an extended school-day program by a public school district in Connecticut. The schools added 100 minutes per day of personalized learning time at three schools to provide enrichment in three areas: healthy living, literacy, and STEM. Two of these schools saw gains in attendance rates, test scores, and teacher ratings, which exceeded districtwide averages.

If Educational Equity is important, it’s worth noting that the After-School Corporation conducted research and found that students from middle- and upper-income families typically spend 6,000 more hours in educational activities than students in low-income families by the time they reach 6th grade. These opportunity gaps translate to substantial differences in academic achievement. 

Why is this important? It’s not just about test scores. A report by Dell and the Institute for the Future estimates that by 2030, 85 percent of the jobs that today’s K-12 learners will be doing haven’t been invented. And the reality is that we’re competing globally. 

That’s why STEAM is so important. It engages children in creative-based learning and problem-solving, AND it does not stop kids from being kids. When done properly it is fun and interactive. 

Stay tuned as we publish some of the research outlined in this article. And be sure to subscribe to our newsletter for more resources, including fun STEAM activities and STEM projects you can do with your child.