A new Afterschool Alliance report shows 92% of parents with children in after-school programs say those programs offer STEM learning opportunities, up from 69% in 2014 and 73% in 2020, signaling a growing emphasis on STEM in after-school care.

Despite improvements, more than three in four parents who want such programs do not have their children enrolled, highlighting ongoing access gaps, especially outside urban areas.

Nationwide, about 23 million children lack access to a STEM curriculum after school, extending beyond New Jersey.

Jodi Grant, executive director of the Afterschool Alliance, calls for broader funding from local, state, and federal levels plus philanthropic support to close persistent access gaps.

Ebony Grace, CEO of New Jersey's Afterschool and Out-of-School Time Professional Network, notes benefits like exploring interests, real-world problem solving, teamwork, and academic skill development.

Press materials quote Afterschool Alliance leadership and funders stressing STEM literacy as foundational to the economy and the need to ensure equitable access to afterschool STEM opportunities.

Grant emphasizes STEM learning outside the classroom can be highly engaging, with examples such as app design for social issues, team robotics competitions, and BMX track design projects.

Experts underline mentorship as key to sustaining girls’ participation in STEM, noting role models and support in aerospace and related fields fuel motivation.

Wisconsin’s budget did not include afterschool funding, and advocates plan to lobby the Legislature next session to secure support, especially for rural areas.

Accessibility challenges are more pronounced for low-income and rural families due to cost and availability.

Support for the study comes from the Overdeck Family Foundation, with the Afterschool Alliance advocating universal access to high-quality afterschool STEM through ongoing research and policy work.

Policy recommendations call for increased federal and state funding, expanded rural and underserved access, deeper CS/tech integration, industry partnerships, and targeted summer funding to address demand and gaps.