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IMPLEMENTING STEM INTO YOUR AFTERSCHOOL PROGRAM

A GUIDE TO IMPLEMENTING STEM INTO YOUR AFTERSCHOOL PROGRAM

Afterschool STEM

Guidebook

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THANK YOU TO OUR CONTRIBUTORS!

Thank you to those who contributed to this guidebook including Katy Bozich, Faith Knocke, and Susan Stanton.

In 2018, the Afterschool for Children and Teens Now (ACT Now) Coalition convened the first Illinois Afterschool STEM Guiding Team to develop strategies to expand STEM in afterschool statewide. The following members of the Guiding Team contributed to the planning and development of this second version of our guidebook.

Natasha Smith-Walker and Kelsey Galante (Project Exploration)

Brett Nicholas (Museum of Science and Industry, Chicago)

Curtis Peace (Illinois AfterSchool Network)

Mike Sandidge (Illinois Department of Human Services)

Steve Parrott (Illinois State Board of Education)

Marcelo Caplan (Columbia College Chicago)

Becky Goldberg and Emily Cooper (Illinois Science & Technology Institute)

Emily Rusca and Edith Njuguna (Education Systems Center at Northern Illinois University)

Jill Edelblute, Ali Greenman, Sarah Lesser, and Nicholas Taluzek (YMCA of Metropolitan Chicago)

Michael Hannan (Alternative Schools Network)

Table of Contents

Introduction 3

Making the Case for STEM in Afterschool 4

Professional Development 5-7

Curriculum & Activities Guide 8-12

Planning & Assessment Tools 13

Funding 14-15

Policy & Advocacy 16-17

STEM Career Exploration 18

STEM Partnerships 19-20

Conclusion 21

Resource Links & Bibliography 22-28

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INTR

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Students across the country are exploring Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM) in a variety of exciting and innovative ways. Afterschool providers have an amazing opportunity to cultivate STEM curiosity in young people. With an overwhelming variety of resources available, ACT Now has created an easy to navigate, comprehensive guide of affordable STEM resources for afterschool providers to utilize and incorporate into their own programs.

As an afterschool provider, you do not need a formal STEM background or to have access to an expensive lab. Everyone has the ability to lead STEM activities. Program providers can learn, experience, and experiment with STEM alongside the students in their program and through the affordable resources presented in this guidebook.

Exposing youth to STEM in afterschool is especially important, given how fast the STEM workforce is growing. In order to ensure economic growth, to innovate, and to improve, we need to create equitable STEM opportunities that develop a workforce eager to work in STEM-related fields (e.g. coding, medicine, aviation, agriculture, manufacturing, etc.). STEM jobs are “projected to grow to more than 9 million between 2012 and 2022. That’s an increase of about 1 million jobs over 2012 employment levels.”1 These STEM jobs are high-paying and allow for career advancement, but require strong math, science, problem-solving, and reasoning skills. In order to fulfill the increasing need for STEM-qualified employees, afterschool program providers need to inspire young people to pursue STEM and prepare them with the skills to join the STEM workforce.

Afterschool programs have the unique opportunity to build and shape future STEM workers as these programs allow for greater flexibility and versatility not

typically found in a classroom setting and provide students an opportunity to build STEM skills. Regardless of the path students choose after high school graduation, all K-12 students can benefit from and develop important STEM skills transferable to a variety of careers: critical thinking, creativity, problem-solving, teamwork, and leadership. Through hands-on and inquiry-based learning, students participating in afterschool programs have the opportunity to explore subjects and activities in less formal environments, during longer time blocks, and with more personalized instruction. Additionally, this informal learning often maximizes the potential impact of STEM skills by reinforcing school-day STEM content.

Throughout ACT Now’s STEM Guidebook, there are resources on how to fund your program, gain professional development opportunities, build a quality curriculum including activity recommendations, and ways in which you can advocate for policy change for STEM in afterschool.

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MAKING THE CASE FOR STEM IN AFTERSCHOOL

A magnitude of research and data makes the case for the importance of STEM education, specifically in the afterschool space. Afterschool leaders and advocates who care about exposing youth to STEM opportunities in afterschool programs are encouraged to use this research to help make the case for more quality afterschool STEM programming.

Research shows that participating in STEM in afterschool programs helps to pique student’s interest in STEM. A 2016 study of students in afterschool STEM programs found that “70% of students reported positive gains in areas such as STEM interest, STEM identity, STEM career interest and career knowledge and 21st [c]entury skills, including perseverance and critical thinking.”2 Afterschool programs provide students with a unique environment where students can explore and expand their STEM interests, given the limits of classroom with little room for trial and error.

While STEM programming does reflect a positive change in the students impacted, the United States is a STEM-deficient nation. The ACT is a test taken in high school often in preparation for college admittance and for scholarship access. It is composed of four sections: English, Math, Reading, and Science. According to ACT testing data, not enough U.S. students are ready and prepared for STEM opportunities. Only 33% of the 48% of ACT-tested 2017 high school graduates who had an interest in STEM actually met the ACT STEM Benchmark.3

The growing number of high-wage, available STEM jobs also underscores the importance of engaging students in STEM education from a young age; STEM education sets children up for success. According to a 2015 report from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, “93 out of 100 STEM occupations had wages above the national average.”4

Specifically, “employment in computer occupations is projected to increase by 12.5% from 2014 to 2024, and due to its large employment size, this growth is expected to result in nearly half a million new jobs.”4

Afterschool programs provide an empowering, dynamic, interactive environment where students of all identities can experiment with a variety of STEM subjects. In afterschool programs, students have the opportunity to “explore new ideas, take intellectual and creative risks, and stretch themselves and their understanding in ways that are not always supported in schools.”5 STEM learning in afterschool settings allows students to engage in STEM practices and hands-on activities, which helps them to envision themselves pursuing STEM later in their educational and professional careers.

Out-of-school time is absolutely critical for inspiring students to gain skills and interest surrounding STEM education. Afterschool programs provide a space where students can grow in their STEM identities, confidence, and experimentation in ways not always found in limited classroom time. As our economy continues to grow and evolve, afterschool providers have the privilege to give young people the opportunity to learn, contribute, and grow along with the growing STEM economy.

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Professional Development Not having a degree in a STEM-related field should not be a barrier to implementing STEM into your own

afterschool program, given the large number of resources available to help you develop STEM skills and content knowledge alongside your students. In order to provide quality STEM education, providers should try to stay

informed about STEM teaching resources as well as develop and grow in their STEM knowledge. Below are links to a variety of different resources including articles, webinars, and conferences to further your professional

development in STEM.

BLOGS, ARTICLES, & GUIDEBOOKS

If you only have a few minutes and want to start learning about STEM education and finding activities to use in your program, subscribing to blog and article services is the perfect option for you!

Quick Tips for Sudden STEM Teachers

This article provides an overview of STEM content knowledge for educators who are diving into STEM teach-ing for the first time.

Edutopia

Edutopia provides articles backed by research on various education topics including project-based learning, so-cial emotional learning, teacher development, steps and tips on how to integrate STEM into your program, and more. Edutopia also includes videos that show educator best practices to incorporate into their classroom or program, as well as stories of innovation and continuous learning. Videos incorporate evidence-based learning practices in K-12 schools that showcase strong techniques in action in various schools and programs.

National Afterschool Association

The National Afterschool Association (NAA) is a membership association for professionals who work with children and youth in diverse school and community-based settings to provide a wide variety of extended learn-ing opportunities and care during out-of-school hours. There are multiple membership options, but the free membership is designed for developing afterschool providers and includes monthly and archived professional development resources, the NAA weekly newsletter, and discounts on afterschool products and services. NAA covers a wide variety of afterschool-related topics, including STEM activities, webinars, and articles.

STEM Mentoring

This STEM Supplement to the Elements of Effective Practice for MentoringTM provides additional research-informed recommendations for youth mentoring programs with a science, technology, engineering, or mathe-matics focus.

Connecting to Computer Science

This resource pulls together activities, curriculum, networking tips, standards for computer science and tech-nology, and numerous articles about computer science education in the afterschool setting.

Engaging Families in STEM

This toolkit from the STEM Next Opportunity Fund contains resources for increasing family engagement in STEM learning. These resources include case studies, promising practices, and a family engagement blog.

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Professional Development

WEB-BASED SUPPORTS

Webinars are a great tool to use when you have an hour or two to sit down to listen to a seminar via the internet in real time or sometimes even pre-recorded. There will be other educators on the webinar as you listen to professionals conduct a guided, informative lesson on STEM professional development. Webinars take afterschool providers through STEM teaching skills and various topics ranging from STEM implementation to staff training.

Afterschool Coaching for Reflective Educators in STEM (ACRES)

ACRES is a free, professional development program of the Maine Mathematics and Science Alliance, but it is available to afterschool providers everywhere. Designed specifically for educators in rural areas, a trained coach provides guidance, training, and resources around specific STEM skills to staff in your program. ACRES trainings can happen either in person or online. The professional development training is unique in the sense that coaches facilitate STEM workshops in small groups, educators go back and practice the taught skill in their program on camera, and then the small group meets via video conference to upload and discuss their videos in order to receive feedback from the coach as well as other afterschool educators in order to improve your teaching skills.

Afterschool Tech Toolkit

The Afterschool Tech Toolkit provides free webinar trainings conducted by skilled, qualified professionals presenting on various topics about implementing technology into your afterschool program. Topics include: how to train staff to use technology in your program, digital learning implementation, and digital learning equity. In order to be notified of new modules, you are able to register for free. If you are unable to take part in the scheduled webinar, you are also able to listen to the webinar recordings later.

Click2Science

Once registered, Click2Science provides a variety of free, professional development opportunities, including video-based web lessons featuring frontline staff and volunteers from various afterschool programs. The web lessons vary in STEM-related topics for STEM providers to implement including: how to explain a variety of STEM careers, how to make the most out of your STEM environment, preparing youth to engage with STEM, and how to explain that learning comes with failure. Additionally, there are staff development guides which are downloadable through PDF files. The guides include how to conduct a STEM professional development session, including handouts, links to the video-based learning module, and other hands-on learning activities. Each of the guides take about 25 to 85 minutes to complete.

Cyberchase-Text to Teacher

Text to Teacher is an innovative free service where teachers will receive a text message once a week with a link to free, quality, and educational STEM classroom resources from the award-winning multimedia children’s series Cyberchase.

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Professional Development

IN-PERSON TRAININGS

If your time and budget allows, in-person trainings and conferences allow you to sit alongside other STEM educators to learn about the current state of STEM education, techniques and more.

Columbia College Chicago: Scientists for Tomorrow

Scientists for Tomorrow is offered by the department of Science and Mathematics at Columbia College Chicago. Their own afterschool programs are offered as well as professional development trainings for educators who want to implement the programs at their own site. Visit their website to view upcoming professional development opportunities.

Northwestern University: STEM Summit

This annual, free, full-day Summit offers a range of breakout sessions led by experts in their fields that allows providers to dig deeper into STEM by collaborating with educators and industry partners, discovering new activities to bring back to your program, and more!

National Science Teachers Association

NSTA conferences provide the latest in science content, teaching strategy, and research to expand your professional growth as a STEM afterschool provider. Each year, NSTA hosts a conference on science education in the spring, three area conferences in the fall, and a STEM Forum & Expo. All conferences and forums have a registration fee. The conferences are across the country, but to minimize the cost, NSTA has special discounts on housing and travel. NSTA also provides other upcoming STEM events and the opportunity to purchase access to virtual conferences.

ACT Now Coalition

The ACT Now Coalition provides in-person and web-based STEM professional development, and connects providers to external professional development opportunities, as well. In 2018, ACT Now hosted a series of four STEM webinars for program providers to have an opportunity to strengthen their ability to navigate and implement STEM resources and activities. The subsequent recordings and resources are found here. Check out ACT Now’s homepage and training calendar for additional upcoming professional development opportunities.

Illinois AfterSchool Network

The Illinois AfterSchool Network (IAN) is the Illinois affiliate to the National AfterSchool Association. For a fee, they provide STEM training to providers across the state. Most trainings are facilitated in a two or three hour training block. This includes NASA’s Afterschool Universe, which is an out-of-school-time astronomy program targeted at middle school students. For more information, please email ILafterschoolcp@gmail.com or call (217)953-4620.

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Curriculum & Activities Guide Finding low-cost, quality resources for curriculum and activities to incorporate into your STEM programming can

feel like a daunting task. The resource chart provided on the following pages condenses the many great

resources available. Each resource is categorized based on grade, type of resource, cost, and the STEM subjects

covered. Resources marked as curriculum cover a longer-term STEM unit with lesson plans. Providers can often

conduct resources marked as activities in a shorter amount of time and focus on one specific subject.

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The internet is full of “STEM Activities,” however, not all of them are created equal. When choosing a STEM activity, it is important to ask yourself, to what extent does the activity:6

Work with your environment? You should ensure that you have the space, materials, time, and background knowledge required for the activity. It is often helpful to do a practice run for your activity.

Allow for the participation of all youth? Program providers have the opportunity to unlock the scientist in all youth by identifying and fostering each of their strengths while also attending to their needs.

Allow for meaningful engagement with STEM and help meet a specific objective? Your activity should be more than just fun. It should also call out specific STEM content and skills.

Contain time for reflection and inquiry? When designing and testing solutions, youth may “fail” to solve the problem. That’s okay! They are expected to learn from what went wrong, and try again. Students should also learn how to question why things went wrong and discover solutions.

Allow for hands-on, group collaboration? In STEM lessons, the path to learning is open-ended and decisions about solutions are youth-generated.

Relate to a STEM career/focus on a real-world problem? Youth should address real social, economic, and environmental problems and seek solutions. This real-world connection can also help them discover their STEM career interest.

Connect to the everyday lives of youth? Youth must be interested in and understand the practical application of what they are learning. It is important that we purposefully bridge what youth find exciting outside of their school/program to what they’re learning in their school/program.

Help youth to build relationships? Great STEM activities help youth learn how to work in teams and also help to build relationships with their instructor.

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Curriculum & Activities Guide

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Resource

Name & Link

Cost/

Membership Description Other Features

Hot Wheels

Speedometry K-4 Y Y

Materials

required, lesson

plans/toolkit

are free

N N N Y N

Hot Wheels play-based

lessons and student

activities

Curriculum available in

English and Spanish

Boeing K-

12 Y Y Free N N N Y N

K-12 resources and

activities that focus on

applying science to

solve tough real-world

problems

Interactive media and

design challenges

STEM Activity Clearinghouse

K-

12 Y Y Free Y N N Y N

Vetted STEM activities

sorted by audience,

content level, and

difficulty

Sells STEM-related

supplies

Code.org K-

12 Y Y Free N N Y N N

Computer science cur-

riculum designed with

women and

underrepresented

minorities in mind

Professional

development

opportunities

Google: Made

with Code

4-

12 N Y Free N N Y N N

Coding projects

designed with teen

girls in mind

Opportunities to host

a coding party

Scratch K-

12 Y Y Free N N Y N N

Online program for

designing interactive

stories, games, and

animations

Tynker K-

12 Y Y

Free, teachers

need to sign up N N Y N N

Self-paced online

courses for youth to

learn coding

NASA 4-9 Y Y Free Y Y Y Y Y Themed units and

camp program ideas

Professional

development

training modules

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Act

ivitie

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Sci

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talism

Tech

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Curriculum & Activities Guide

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Resource Name & Link

Cost/Membership

Description Other Features

Mozilla 6-

12 N Y Free N N Y N N

Activities for internet

literacy and digital

citizenship

Mystery

Science K-5 N Y Free for a year Y Y N N N

Science activities for

elementary youth

aligned to state

standards

Museum of Science and

Industry Summer Brain

Games

K-5 N Y

Free

(materials are also

very low-cost)

Y Y N N N

STEM activities

easily done with

everyday household

items

Kid Spark Education

K-

12 Y Y Free Y N Y Y N

Comprehensive

STEM curriculum,

teacher training, and

mobile STEM labs

Grant opportunities

for mobile STEM

labs

BrainPOP and BrainPOP Jr.

K-

12 Y Y

Some free and can

subscribe to both

for $405 for more

resources

Y Y N N N

Engaging learning

games, animated

movies, and activities

Proficiency-based

English language

learning program

available

Thingiverse Education

K-

12 N Y

Free lessons that

make teaching

with a 3D printer

easier

Y N Y Y Y 100+ free 3D printing

lessons

Online community

where educators can

exchange best

practices

Science

Buddies

K-

12 Y Y Free Y Y Y Y Y

Resources include

science project kits,

lesson plans, and

display board tutori-

als, as well as a

database of after-

school programs

Blog, “Ask an

Expert” page, and

information about

science careers

available

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Curriculum & Activities Guide

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Resource Name & Link

Cost/Membership

Description Other Features

In-Person and

Virtual STEM

Field Trips

K-

12 N Y

Vary depending

on location Y Y Y Y Y

Interactive and

unique either

in-person or virtual

field trips to learn

about STEM

STEM Resource

Finder

K-

12 N Y Free Y Y Y Y Y

Database of

interactive STEM

activities for the

classroom

DiscoverSpace CLASSROOM

4-

12 Y N Free Y Y N N N

Internet-based

science program with

lessons on NASA

missions, astronomy,

and space exploration

Weather Classroom Activities

4-

12 Y Y Free Y Y Y Y N

Activities to learn

about weather

satellites, metrics,

and terminology

Lesson Plans: Women in

Tech

6-8 Y N Free N N Y N N

Lesson plans that

introduce middle

school students to

female role models

who work in the

computer science

field

Swift Coding Club

3-

12 N Y

Free but requires

access to Mac

computers and an

iPad

N N Y N N

Kits to give teachers,

students, and club

mentors the tools

they need to start

their own coding

clubs

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Act

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Sci

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Curriculum & Activities Guide

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Resource Name & Link

Cost/Membership

Description Other Features

Afterschool

Math Games K-6 Y Y Free N N N Y Y

Guidebook with math

games using physical

activity and

teamwork

Design Squad Global Clubs

5-8 Y Y Free N N N Y Y

Youth learn design

processes in either a 6

or 12 week program

to learn about

engineering while

working with a global

partner

National Geographic

BioBlitz

K-

12 N Y Free Y Y Y N N

Activity where stu-

dents find and identi-

fy as many species as

possible in a specific

area

If participants have

access to a smart

phone, participants

can download a free

app to use for the

activity

Engineer for the Week

8-

12 N Y Free N N Y Y Y

Facebook education

program where par-

ticipants create a

project that makes a

positive impact on a

social topic of their

choice

Virtual Coding Boot Camp in 5 Easy Steps

K-

12 Y Y Free N N Y N N

Guidelines on how to

start a virtual coding

boot camp in

5 easy steps

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Planning & Assessment Planning and assessment tools allow afterschool providers to create quality STEM programming

and provide evidence of success. Planning tools are instruments that help guide action steps

related to the implementation of STEM programming. Program providers can use assessment tools

to assess the strengths and weaknesses of their STEM programming by obtaining feedback and

then adjusting their programs accordingly. Through planning and assessment tools, you can build,

sustain, measure, and improve upon the merit, worth, value, and effectiveness of your program.

California Afterschool Network: Assessment and Planning Tool for STEM

The California Afterschool Network, in collaboration with the California STEM Learning Network, created an assessment and planning tool. The planning portion of the tool includes resources to get your program ready to implement STEM, a plan to implement STEM, and suggestions for expanding STEM programming. The tool also includes a program assessment portion where you are able to assess where your program is on the “STEM Program Pathway.”

Use this tool when you want to implement or expand STEM programming, to self-assess your program quality, and for resources for improving STEM programming quality.

PEAR’s Dimensions of Success and Planning Tool

Harvard University’s PEAR Institute (Partnerships in Education and Resilience) provides an observation and planning tool, Dimensions of Success (DoS), which defines quality STEM programming and allows after-school providers to identify strengths and weaknesses in their own program. DoS defines twelve evidence-based dimensions rated on a four-point scale. The twelve dimensions are divided into four domains: Features of the Learning Environment, Activity Engagement, STEM Knowledge and Practice, and Youth Development in STEM.

You can become a DoS observer of your own program by completing training and certification for a fee. As a part of its STEM initiative and aligned with DoS, the PEAR Institute also provides a planning tool which is free. The planning tool gives suggestions for how to modify and prepare teaching strategies and activities to align with the twelve dimensions of DoS.

Use this tool to learn more about the elements of quality STEM programming, to take a deep dive into how to plan high quality STEM lessons, or to obtain feedback on your STEM lessons.

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Funding Resources As demonstrated throughout this guidebook, it is very realistic to implement STEM activities in your program with

free and low-cost resources. STEM curriculum, activities, and other tools do not always require expensive materials, or any materials at all, making STEM implementation accessible and affordable. However, you may encounter

situations and particular projects that need additional funding. Before looking into funding opportunities, we recommend estimating the project’s scope and scale, duration, and total budget as a starting point. Additionally,

do not forget that funders are driven by their organization’s mission. As an applicant, you need to make the case

to them that your proposed work aligns with your program’s mission and helps achieve the funder’s mission.

Guides

Know Your Funders: A Guide to STEM Funding for Afterschool

The Afterschool Alliance has a STEM funding guide that suggests sources of funding from federal, state and local governments, corporations, and philanthropic groups. This eight-page guide also provides tips (pages five to eight) on obtaining grant money best suited for your program, creating meaningful, beneficial relationships, and writing an effective proposal.

STEMfinity Grant Archive

STEMfinity lists federal, state, and corporate STEM grant opportunities. Funding listed may apply to schools and/or afterschool programs.

Using Found Objects (Carnegie STEM Girls)

STEM education is a hands-on experience, which requires a lot of materials for building and inventing. Educa-tors may feel the need to buy the latest high-tech gadget, but cheap or free recycled materials can provide an equally rewarding lesson. More important than the tool is the curriculum driving the lesson! This resource helps you create STEM activities with low- or no-cost items.

Corporate Grants

American Honda Foundation

The American Honda Foundation accepts grant proposals twice a year (August 1st and February 1st). The foundation prioritizes programs and districts focused on “youth education, specifically in the areas of science, technology, engineering, mathematics, the environment, job training and literacy.” Grants range from $20,000 to $75,000 over a one-year period, you can apply for them online. Contact ahf@ahm.honda.com with questions about this opportunity,

General Motors Corporate Giving Grants

In order to receive funding from General Motors, an organization must complete an Eligibility Quiz, a Letter of Inquiry, and a full pro-posal. GM places an emphasis on granting funding for programs work-ing to advance STEM education, specifically targeting grades three to 12 with a special emphasis on women and minorities. Applications are reviewed on a rolling basis. With questions regarding the application process, contact GivingBack@gm.com.

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Funding Resources

Lockheed Martin: Grants for Education

Lockheed Martin provides grants for K-12 Science, Technology, Engineering and Math (STEM) Education. This includes Lockheed Martin's K-12 STEM Education Initiative, Engineers in the Classroom, as well as STEM-focused curricular and extracurricular programs that provide employee engagement opportunities in a community in which Lockheed Martin has employees or business interests.

Technology Grants

Digital Wish Grants

Digital Wish is a non-profit striving to help fund technology in classrooms and non-profit educational organiza-tions. Digital Wish Grants are awarded on the 15th of every calendar month after the grant application dead-line. In order to apply, you need to create a wish list of technology your program needs, register your program at Digital Wish, and create a lesson plan following the guidelines in the grant description.

Formlabs Grant: Innovation and Research 3D Printing Grant

On a rolling basis, Formlabs grants one 3D printer (Form 2) to accredited educational facilities per quarter. In order to receive a printer, you need to submit a brief form along with a detailed project outline or proposal on which your program is working.

Smaller Funding Opportunities

Costco Donations and Grants

For nonprofit organizations focused on children, Costco can donate supplies to your program if you provide your local Costco Warehouse Manager with a copy of your tax letter and a completed Warehouse Donation Re-quest Form. Costco also provides grant opportunities for nonprofit organizations that meet Costco’s giving guidelines and focus areas. To see if your program qualifies, take a look at the FAQ’s and Grant Application.

Lowe’s Charitable and Educational Foundation Grants

Lowe’s supports communities through education and community improvement projects. The grant process has two cycles for education grants and two cycles for community improvement grants.

Suggestions to Look for More Grant Opportunities

The grants listed above are only a few of the many opportunities available. To look for more grant opportunities you can search the National Science Foundation or U.S. Department of Education’s funding opportunities, nar-row your search through Grant Watch’s grant search engine, and reach out to local businesses and corporations for donations or volunteers. Note: Tech and engineering companies love to support STEM education!

Although programs often focus on procuring cash donations and grants, contributions can come in many forms. Consider seeking an in-kind contribution. In-kind contributions are donations of goods, services or time. These contributions can include supplies, equipment, furniture, one-off or ongoing professional services, and more! For example, a program provider might do outreach to local plumbers to procure leftover supplies that they can then recycle for a STEM activity.

ACT Now also sends out funding opportunities in our weekly newsletter and posts them on our website.

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Policy & Advocacy Advocating for effective, quality policies to shape and support STEM education in afterschool raises awareness

about the benefits of STEM education in afterschool programs and can help to secure sustainable public funding

streams. As educators, there is an obligation and necessity to stay updated on legislation impacting STEM in

afterschool and ways in which to communicate and advocate effectively. Educating a variety of stakeholders about

why STEM education is so important, will significantly help STEM education reform efforts and ultimately increase

positive outcomes for youth. Providers should also build an active, ongoing relationship with their community’s

school leadership. If you are interested in expanding STEM opportunities, consider reaching out to your local

policymakers (legislators, school board, etc.) to discuss why STEM education is crucial for youths’ futures. The

following resources provide insight into the current policies impacting STEM in afterschool.

Resources

Stay up-to-date on policies affecting the afterschool field by utilizing the following resources.

ACT Now Newsletter

ACT Now provides policy updates on public funding for afterschool programs, the Illinois State Board of Ed-ucation, legislative efforts affecting STEM, and more. To stay updated on policy, resources, trainings, and op-portunities for youth, subscribe to ACT Now’s free, weekly electronic newsletter.

Afterschool Alliance: Policies Impacting Afterschool STEM

The Afterschool Alliance has compiled a list of current, federal legislation impacting and supporting STEM education in afterschool programs. This resource contains a list of active STEM bills, initiatives that are driving policy, as well as an archive of reports and policy recommendations referenced by policymakers. The After-school Alliance also provides a toolkit on best practices when advocating for STEM education to policymakers and other stakeholders.

Afterschool STEM Hub

The Afterschool STEM Hub provides tools and tips on how to communicate and advocate for public support for afterschool STEM education. This resource provides talking points on why afterschool STEM is im-portant, as well as guides on developing social media content and presentations. The STEM Hub also provides the research that backs their recommended talking points and social media strategy.

STEM Education Coalition Federal Legislation Tracker

The STEM Education Coalition Federal Legislation Tracker allows you to monitor legislative action in both the U.S. Senate and House of Representatives. Through this tool, you are able to see the bill number, status, title, and a brief description of the bill.

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Policy & Advocacy

Policies to Watch

Making the Most of ESSA: Opportunities to Advance STEM Education

The Every Student Succeeds Act (ESSA), the reauthorization of No Child Left Behind, provides lots of new opportunities for STEM education both in and out of school. This resource provides policymakers, district and school leaders, and advocates the opportunity to learn how states are using ESSA to support STEM edu-cation and how to advocate to push those ideas further. You can find out more information about Illinois’ ES-SA plan here. ACT Now also has recommendations for implementing STEM in ESSA found here.

When Illinois implemented ESSA, it included a Career and College Readiness Indicator (CCRI) in the school quality framework. The CCRI includes multiple measures, such as academic readiness, as well as a set of career ready activities that prepare students for postsecondary experiences beyond the classroom. Some of the activi-ties that count toward career readiness include community services, co-curricular activities, and career develop-ment experience—all of which youth can experience in afterschool. Since STEM careers are growing, this is something STEM afterschool programs should watch. The ISBE website provides more information on this indicator.

Perkins CTE

Perkins is the federal legislation that governs Career and Technical Education (CTE), which are sector-based education pathways that provide technical knowledge and training to prepare students for a variety of careers. Afterschool programs partnering with CTE programs can help to expose students to STEM careers at a younger age and in a more flexible environment. You can find information about CTE on websites for ISBE, Advance CTE, the Afterschool Alliance, and ACT Now.

Postsecondary Workforce Readiness Act

The Postsecondary Workforce Readiness Act (PWRA), an Illinois law passed in 2016, takes a student-focused and competency-based approach to helping students achieve college and career readiness. Since STEM careers are the largest growing sector of the economy, preparing youth for careers and teaching STEM go hand-in-hand. The PWRA contains four strategies: (1) defining things that students should know and be supported to do in preparation for whatever comes after high school (PaCE framework); (2) endorsements to place on high school diplomas to signify readiness and participation in a series of coursework and professional learning in a career area of interest; (3) transitional math courses to reduce student need for remediation; and (4) a Compe-tency-Based Education Pilot program for schools to experiment with how they prepare their students for col-lege and career. Many of the diploma endorsements focus on STEM careers. Further, when programs explore STEM careers, they should consider the elements in the PaCE framework. Given the career-oriented approach happening in schools, STEM afterschool providers can both expose students to these options and reinforce these school day messages.

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STEM Career Exploration Afterschool programs have the unique opportunity to expose youth to STEM careers given the flexibility not

provided in the school day. Providers have a variety of career exploration tools at their disposal, including STEM

industry professionals, school and museum STEM educators, community members, and near peers (high school and

college STEM students). Exposure to STEM careers can increase the relevance of STEM and provide opportunities

for youth to experience STEM in new and authentic ways. Career exploration and exposure also helps youth set

career goals, improves academic performance, and gives students a clearer understanding of how STEM fits into

their world.

Even if you do not have partnerships with some of the STEM career exploration partners listed above, the following online resources can help you explore STEM careers with your youth.

National Geographic Explorer Classroom connects classrooms around the world with National Geographic Explorers, bringing science, exploration, and conservation to life through live video events. Students have the opportunity to ask the explorer their questions directly. Each month Explorer Class-room features a new theme and provides supporting resources for educators.

FabFems directory is a national database of women in STEM professionals who are inspiring role models for young women. The directory is accessible to young women, girl-serving programs, and other organizations working to increase career awareness and interest in STEM.

SciGirls episodes and role models showcase peers and adult women who are challenging the STEM stereotype.

Defined STEM provides educators with an online library of over 200+ career-focused videos and projects that help connect classroom content to career pathways.

Nepris is a great online resource that facilitates virtual connections for educators and students with a variety of industry professionals including STEM.

Do not be afraid to think broadly about STEM career exploration, including your local pharmacy, bank, or utility companies.

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STEM Partnerships Stronger partnerships between the afterschool field and STEM-rich institutions, like STEM museums, businesses,

schools, and the larger STEM education community are crucial to advancing afterschool STEM practice and

implementation. The resources and STEM expertise available in STEM-rich institutions, combined with the youth

development expertise of afterschool providers, will help to make afterschool STEM programming more robust and

extensive.7

Partnerships can encompass a wide variety of activities. They may involve staff development, curriculum development, policy development, instructional development, guidance, mentoring, tutoring, incentives and awards,

or they may provide material and financial resources. In most cases, partnering is a win-win situation for all involved parties. In addition to improving out-of-school time STEM experiences for youth, the external partners

frequently realize benefits as well, such as enhanced goodwill, future workforce development, and a stronger

presence in the community.

In order to establish a quality partnership, one must:8

Determine Needs: Consider the type of partnership and the level of partnership that would best meet your program’s needs (i.e. direct funding, professional development, donation of goods or services, volun-teers, mentoring, etc.). Also consider whether attempting to meet those needs with the help of an outside source is appropriate for your program.

Identify and Research Potential Partners: Once you have identified the needs, determine whether there are natural partners or resources within the community, including parents, to help meet that need. In most cases, the type of need will determine the type of partner you seek.

Define Short- and Long-Range Goals: Define partnership goals so that they are understood by all parties from the outset. Partners should base their goals on the needs and outcomes expressed. Where pos-sible, quantify the goals so it is easier to evaluate effectiveness.

Collaborate with Partners to Identify Activities: Once the partnership goals are defined, the next step is to determine the activities that will achieve these goals. These activities will form the heart of the relationship and will be the most visible to the community.

Create a Blueprint: Depending on the size and type of the partnership, programs should create de-tailed plans to keep all interested parties informed of partnership news and updates. In other cases, a for-mal plan might not be necessary, but it could be helpful to establish some general guidelines about the partnership and its activities. Either way, it is important to establish some sort of management structure with designated contact people for each partner.

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STEM Partnerships

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Type of Partnership Explanation & Example Activities

Experienced

STEM Professional

Experienced STEM professionals can help youth and program pro-viders learn STEM knowledge and skills.

Example activities:

Youth internships (exploration of career opportunities)

Mentoring

Professional development for program providers

Engagement in activities with youth

Contribute to planning projects and curriculum

STEM Resource

Partnerships are extremely helpful for securing materials, transporta-tion, meals, and much more.

Example activities:

Financial resources

Collective grant writing

Material and equipment donation

STEM Advocate

STEM advocates can help create excitement and support for your program by delivering a consistent message about the importance of STEM.

Example activities:

Visible commitment to STEM education at community events

Commentaries in the media

Letters and public testimony to policymakers

Examples of STEM Partnerships9

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Science, technology, engineering, and math have all become increasingly important and rele-vant in today’s economy. Afterschool programs play a very important role in preparing the STEM workforce of tomorrow with a quality, productive, engaging STEM educa-tion not always provided in the classroom.

Through hands-on and inquiry-based learning, students in expanded learning opportunities have the opportunity to explore subjects and activities in less formal environments with long-er time blocks. Along with more personalized instruction, students are able to build upon a variety of skills to transfer to higher education and beyond.

Throughout ACT Now’s STEM Guidebook, we hope you gained valuable information and resources on the research behind the need for STEM education, learned that you do not have to be a scientist, coder or engineer to be an excellent STEM educator, and discovered curriculum and activity resources to implement into your program. Additionally, we encour-age you to assess the effectiveness of your program, seek funding opportunities, and advo-cate for policy supporting STEM education.

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Afterschool programs play an important role in allowing students

to develop an interest in STEM. The impact on youth, the economy

and innovation can be immense as youth become more engaged

with the ever-growing STEM career opportunities. Maybe the next

big, innovative idea is in your own program!

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Professional Development Page

Quick Tips for Sudden STEM Teachers https://www.middleweb.com/24879/six-quick-tips-for-sudden-stem-teachers/

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Edutopia https://www.edutopia.org

5

National Afterschool Association

https://naaweb.org/

NAA Membership Options

https://naaweb.org/membership-information-page - Ambassador

NAA STEM Gems

https://naaweb.org/resources/stem-gems?highlight=WyJzdGVtIl0=

5

STEM Mentoring

https://www.mentoring.org/stem-supplement-to-the-elements-of-effective-practice-for-

mentoring

5

Connecting to Computer Science

http://afterschoolalliance.org/documents/AfterschoolCS_ResourceGuide_2017.pdf 5

Engaging Families in STEM

https://stemnext.org/engaging-families 5

Afterschool Coaching for Reflective Education (ACRES)

https://mmsa.org/projects/acres/for-educators/ 6

Afterschool Tech Toolkit

https://naaweb.org/afterschooltechtoolkit 6

Click 2 Science

http://click2sciencepd.org/?

utm_source=NAA&utm_medium=article&utm_campaign=STEMfinityNAAarticle

6

CyberChase—Text to Teacher

http://bit.ly/318DPvd 6

Columbia College Chicago: Scientists for Tomorrow

https://www.scientistsfortomorrow.org/modules/

Scientists for Tomorrow Calendar

https://www.scientistsfortomorrow.org/calendar/

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National Science Teachers Association

http://www.nsta.org/conferences/ 7

Glossary of Resource Links

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Professional Development (Continued) Page

Northwestern University STEM Summit

https://ocep.northwestern.edu/events-workshops/annual-stem-summit.html 7

ACT Now Coalition

www.actnowillinois.org 7

Illinois AfterSchool Network

https://www.ianetwork.org 7

Curriculum & Activities Page

Hot Wheels Speedometry

http://origin2.hotwheels.mattel.com/en-us/explore/speedometry/index.html 9

Boeing

http://www.boeing.com/principles/education.page - /edu_resources 9

STEM Activity Clearinghouse

http://clearinghouse.starnetlibraries.org/ 9

Code.org

https://code.org/ 9

Google: Made with Code

https://www.madewithcode.com/projects/ 9

Scratch

https://scratch.mit.edu/ 9

Tynker

https://www.tynker.com/hour-of-code/ 9

NASA

https://www.nasa.gov/offices/education/programs/national/summer/education_resources/

index.html - .Wz-vEntFyM9

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Mozilla

https://thimble.mozilla.org/en-US 10

Mystery Science

https://mysteryscience.com/ 10

Museum of Science and Industry Summer Brain Games

https://www.msichicago.org/experiment/summer-brain-games/ 10

Glossary of Resource Links

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Curriculum & Activities (Continued) Page

Kid Spark

https://kidsparkeducation.org 10

BrainPOP and BrainPOP Jr.

https://jr.brainpop.com/science/ 10

Thingiverse Education

https://www.thingiverse.com/education 10

Science Buddies

https://www.sciencebuddies.org/science-fair-projects/ask-an-expert-intro 10

In-Person & Virtual STEM Field Trips

https://www.eschoolnews.com/2018/12/07/10-exciting-in-person-and-virtual-stem-field-

trips/2/

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STEM Resource Finder

http://bit.ly/35n909v 11

DiscoverSpace Classroom

http://www.linkobservatory.org/discoverspace.html?

utm_source=February+2018+State+Enews&utm_campaign=feb+2018+State&utm_medium=e

mail

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Weather Classroom Activities

https://scijinks.gov/classroom-activities/ 11

Lesson Plans: Women in Tech

https://girlswhocode.com/women-in-tech-lessonplans/ 11

Swift Coding Club

https://www.apple.com/education/teaching-code/#coding-club 11

Afterschool Math Games https://indd.adobe.com/view/b4019d8c-5872-4a97-a3d5-4e4b84d05d87

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Design Squad Global Clubs http://bit.ly/2OG6V2y

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National Geographic BioBlitz https://www.nationalgeographic.org/projects/bioblitz

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Engineer for the Week https://engineerfortheweek.fb.com

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Virtual Coding Boot Camp (5 Easy Steps)

https://www.eschoolnews.com/2018/07/10/how-to-start-a-virtual-coding-boot-camp-in-five-

easy-steps/

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Glossary of Resource Links

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Planning & Assessment Tools Page

California Afterschool Network: Assessment and Planning Tool for STEM

http://www.afterschoolnetwork.org/sites/main/files/file-attachments/

stem_program_planning_tool_links.pdf

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PEAR’s Dimensions of Success and Planning Tool

https://www.thepearinstitute.org/stem

The PEAR Institute

https://www.thepearinstitute.org/stem

Dimensions of Success (DoS)

https://www.thepearinstitute.org/dimensions-of-success

Training and Certification

https://www.thepearinstitute.org/dos-training

Planning Tool

https://www.thepearinstitute.org/dos-planning-tool

13

Funding Resources Page

Know Your Funders: A Guide to STEM Funding for Afterschool

http://afterschoolalliance.org/STEM-Funding-Brief-10182012.pdf 14

STEMfinity Grant Archive

https://www.stemfinity.com/stem-grants-illinois 14

Using Found Objects (Carnegie STEM Girls)

https://carnegiestemgirls.org/stem-activities/activities/ 14

American Honda Foundation

https://www.honda.com/community/applying-for-a-grant 14

General Motors Corporate Giving Grants

https://www.gm.com/company/giving-back/how-we-invest.html 14

Lockheed Martin: Grants for Education

https://www.lockheedmartin.com/en-us/who-we-are/communities/stem-education.html 15

Digital Wish Grants

http://www.digitalwish.com/dw/digitalwish/grant_awards

Register your program

http://www.digitalwish.com/dw/digitalwish/register

Create a lesson plan

http://www.digitalwish.com/dw/digitalwish/form

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Formlabs Grant: Innovation and Research 3D Printing Grant

https://formlabs.com/research-3d-printing-grant/ 15

Glossary of Resource Links

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Funding Resources (Continued) Page

Costco Donations and Grants

https://www.costco.com/charitable-giving.html

Warehouse Donation Request Form

https://www.costco.com/wcsstore/CostcoUSBCCatalogAssetStore/Attachment/

Warehouse_Donation_Request_090214.pdf

Grant Application

https://www.costco.com/wcsstore/CostcoUSBCCatalogAssetStore/Attachment/

GrantApplication090413.pdf

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Lowe’s Charitable and Educational Foundation Grants

https://www.lowes.com/cd_Corporate+Citizenship_674540029_ 15

U.S. Department of Education Funding Opportunities

https://www2.ed.gov/programs/find/elig/index.html 15

Grant Watch’s Grant Search Engine

https://www.grantwatch.com/grant-search.php

STEM Grant

https://www.grantwatch.com/grant/181110/grants-to-usa-nonprofits-and-schools-in-

multiple-states-for-k-stem-programming.html

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Policy & Advocacy Resources Page

ACT Now

http://www.actnowillinois.org/policy-updates/

ACT Now Newsletter

http://www.actnowillinois.org/act-now-newsletter/

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Afterschool Alliance: Policies Impacting Afterschool STEM

http://www.afterschoolalliance.org/STEM-policy.cfm

Toolkit

http://www.afterschoolalliance.org/STEM-toolkit.cfm

16

Afterschool STEM Hub

http://www.afterschoolstemhub.org/ 16

STEM Education Coalition Federal Legislation Tracker

http://www.stemedcoalition.org/stem-ed-coalition-activities/legislation/ 16

Making the Most of ESSA: Opportunities to Advance STEM Education

https://education-first.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/07/making-the-most-of-essa-

opportunities-for-stem-july-2017.pdf

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ACT Now: School District Recommendations for Implementing ESSA

http://www.actnowillinois.org/wp-content/uploads/2017/08/ACT-

Now_ESSA_District_Recommendations-5.31.17.docx.pdf

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Glossary of Resource Links

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Policy & Advocacy Resources (Continued) Page

Perkins CTE Overview

https://www.careertech.org/perkins 17

Postsecondary Workforce Readiness Act Overview

http://www.advanceillinois.org/pwr/ 17

STEM Career Exploration Page

National Geographic Explorer Classroom

https://www.nationalgeographic.org/education/student-experiences/explorer-classroom/ 18

FabFems

https://www.fabfems.org 18

SciGirls

http://www.scigirlsconnect.org/groups/role-models/ 18

Defined STEM

https://www.definedstem.com 18

Nepris

https://www.nepris.com/home/v4 18

Glossary of Resource Links

For more information or resources, visit actnowillinois.org!

Contact Info

Susan Stanton (ACT Now - Network Lead)

stantons@actnowillinois.org

Emma Vibber (ACT Now - Quality & Professional Development Specialist)

vibbere@actnowillinois.org

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3. ACT (2017). STEM education in the U.S.: Where we are and what we can do. Retrieved from https://www.act.org/content/act/en/research/stem-education-in-the-us-2017.html

4. Fayer, S., Lacey, A., & Watson, A. (2017). STEM occupations: Past, present, and fu-ture. Spotlight on Statistics. Retrieved from https://digitalcommons.ilr.cornell.edu/cgi/

viewcontent.cgi?article=2928&context=key_workplace.

5. Krishnamurthi, A., & Bevan, B. (n.d.). From evidence to policy: The case for STEM in aferschool. Retrieved from http://stemreadyamerica.org/article-evidence-to-policy.

6. Jolley, A. (2014). Six characteristics of a great STEM lesson. Education Week. Retrieved from https://www.edweek.org/tm/articles/2014/06/17/ctq_jolly_stem.html; the PEAR Institute: Partnerships in Education and Resilience. (n.d.). Dimensions of success. Retrieved from https://www.thepearinstitute.org/dimensions-of-success. For more information on doing STEM with students with disabilities, check out the National Science Teaching Association's "Science for Students with Disabilities": nsta.org/disabilities

7. Krishnamurthia, A. (July & August 2016). Let’s partner more to offer high-quality STEM education in afterschool programs. Dimensions. Retrieved from http://afterschoolalliance.org/documents/ASTC_Dimensions_August2016_AA3.pdf.

8. The Council for Corporate & School Partnerships. (n.d.). A how-to guide for school-business partnerships. Retrieved from http://www.nhscholars.org/School-Business%20How_to_Guide.pdf.

9. Governor’s STEM Advisory Council (n.d). Guidelines for school + business partnerships in STEM. Retrieved from https://iowastem.gov/corporate-partners/guidelines-for-school-business-partnerships-in-stem.

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