Computing in afterschool is more than just computer science (CS).

In December 2020, Click2ComputerScience.org was launched by the Click2SciencePD team to increase access to Computer Science (CS) programming in out-of-school time (OST).

Managing an afterschool program requires attention to many critical tasks—including developing a plan for training your staff. Learn how Click2SciencePD can help.

This fall marks the first time that cohorts of afterschool leaders will learn how to coach their own staff in seeing, recording and practicing vital skills needed for effective STEM facilitation.

A new major national afterschool project from the Maine Mathematics and Science Alliance (MMSA) is seeking organizations to participate in a free, innovative, video-based coaching curriculum in STEM—with an exclusive opportunity for NAA members.

Youth development professionals come from many backgrounds and work in a variety of settings. They can be childcare providers, camp leaders, afterschool professionals or even volunteers with little to no background in development or education.

It's EASY!

Group management is a skill that is imperative when working in youth programs, and especially so when implementing STEM. It is important the adult leader carefully plan and prepare in advance in order to create the necessary structure for STEM learning—to make this process EASY, focus on the Environment, Activities, Schedule, and Your relationships and interactions.

Our work is personal. Often the best opportunities—to build connections or to make learning real—happen in the moment.

But these moments only happen when we plan and are prepared. Well-designed professional development gives our staff the resources they need to plan for effective learning and be prepared to maximize opportunities to connect and engage youth in STEM.

STEM (science, technology, engineering, and math) affects every aspect of our lives. High-quality STEM experiences develop critical thinking skills, increase science literacy, and enable the next generation to be innovators. By helping youth develop science attitude, identity, and engagement, we can have a positive and lasting impact on youth.