The National Academies has released a new
report, "Identifying and Supporting Productive STEM Programs in
Out-of-School Settings." The report emphasizes the importance of
continuing STEM education through out-of-school programs. The report
found that effective out-of-school STEM programs can promote an interest
in and an understanding of STEM, create positive relationships with
adults who serve as role models, and reduce the achievement gap between
young people from low-income
and high-income families. The report was accompanied by a
webinar, in which members of the
Boys and Girls Clubs and the
Afterschool Alliance argued for more awareness of science, technology, engineering, arts, and math (STEAM) programs.
STEAM is the integration of arts with STEM
education. Boys and Girls Clubs are especially encouraging such
integration, creating videos and other projects combining STEM education
and artistic expression. Tony Small, the regional artistic and STEAM
director for the Boys and Girls Clubs of Greater Washington, D. C., has
been promoting the public use of his students' projects to help others
learn and discover their passion for STEM topics. Visit his
website to explore hundreds of STEAM songs, skits, and musicals.