How DNA Learning Journeys Are Building STEM Confidence in Youth and Educators

When Amelia Mock needed STEM activities she could lead on her own without a formal STEM background, STEM Next’s Genomics Learning Journeys, created in partnership with Illumina, gave her everything she needed to make science learning hands-on and approachable — for her and for her students.

What Amelia experienced in her program is what we’re seeing nationwide: when educators have tools to confidently lead career-connected learning, young people engage with STEM in new and meaningful ways. 

 

Verizon and STEM Next partner to bring new STEM Learning Journeys to Afterschool Educators

In partnership with Verizon™,  STEM Next has launched a new set of online Learning Journeys to help afterschool educators more easily implement relevant, high-quality STEM learning in their programs.

These Learning Journeys are bundles of virtual lessons and activities hosted on Verizon’s Innovative Learning HQ platform that STEM Next has optimized for flexible implementation in out-of-school-time settings. They are designed to help educators engage young people in hands-on, meaningful STEM learning without extensive preparation or prior STEM expertise.

Afterschool programs that choose to complete the Learning Journey focused on nature and sustainability may also be eligible for a stipend of up to $1,500.

 

STEM Next’s Nature Prize Challenge Winners showcase the power of youth-led projects from coast to coast

STEM Next challenged afterschool programs across the country to engage young people in designing meaningful projects that address issues or potential opportunities in nature in their communities. Dozens of programs from across the country responded with thoughtful, youth-led ideas rooted in real local needs, guided by educators who helped them make career connections along the way.

Our Community in Nature Prize Challenge winners stood out for their creativity, youth engagement, impact, and incorporation of career-connected learning.