Afterschool programs offer a crucial opportunity to engage students in ways traditional classrooms can't. With the flexibility to explore hands-on projects, students can dive deeper into subjects like science and engineering, sparking curiosity and enhancing practical skills.
According to studies, more students spend time learning in informal learning environments than in school. Students who participate in afterschool STEM programs report a 73% increase in interest in STEM careers, showing the impact of informal, exploratory learning. (Afterschool Alliance.)
Benefits of Afterschool STEM Programs
According to Afterschool Alliance, afterschool programs offer several unique benefits:
- Improves math and science proficiency through engagement in hands-on, real-world projects, allowing students to practice STEM skills.
- Sparks lifelong curiosity by almost doubling the time spent on tinkering, learning, and exploring STEM.
- Provides career exploration and role models, helping students understand STEM career options and how they can pursue those fields.
- Equal Access, afterschool STEM programs provide opportunities for students from various backgrounds, helping to bridge the educational gap and ensure that all students have access to quality STEM education.
How Lectec Supports Afterschool STEM Learning
Lectec’s STEM kits provide an ideal solution for afterschool programs seeking to engage students in meaningful, hands-on learning. Through projects like building electric skateboards, students can apply engineering, physics, and math concepts in a fun and creative environment. The impact is clear, with a 20% increase in interest in STEM careers and a 27% boost in confidence using tools. By connecting classroom learning to real-world applications, Lectec’s kits make STEM subjects more approachable and exciting for students.
These kits are highly flexible, easily fitting into afterschool schedules, whether for weekly sessions or larger STEM camps. Educators can enhance their programs with Lectec’s custom learning management system (LMS), which provides animated videos, interactive web games, and structured lessons available in both digital and print formats. This comprehensive support ensures a seamless integration of STEM projects, helping students develop critical thinking and problem-solving skills in a hands-on, immersive way.
Lectec has also seen success through its collaboration with the Synergy at Mineola program. What was once a credit-recovery program serving those in risk of not graduating, has evolved “into a school that strives to give students far more say over when and how they learn, combined with career exploration, hands-on experiences, and mental health supports” says Alyson Klein from Education Week. By working closely these educators, Lectec brought its electric skateboard kits to life in a real-world setting, giving students the opportunity to explore STEM concepts through practical projects. This partnership demonstrated how Lectec’s tools not only engage students but also enhance their understanding of key STEM principles.
Lectec also worked with the City College of New York (CCNY) STEM Institute afterschool program, where we led high school students in our course, "Engineering: Building an Electric Skateboard." This hands-on course introduced students to the fundamentals of engineering and physics through the practical project of building electric skateboards. Students gained valuable experience in electronics, mechanics, and problem-solving, all while developing confidence in their technical abilities as they saw their ideas come to life. Our partnership with CCNY’s STEM Institute has been a rewarding experience, allowing us to contribute to a program that nurtures young STEM talent in an engaging, real-world context.
The impact is clear, with a 20% increase in interest in STEM careers and a 27% boost in confidence using tools. By connecting classroom learning to real-world applications, Lectec’s kits make STEM subjects more approachable and exciting for students.
By offering tools that encourage both creativity and critical thinking, Lectec’s STEM kits are an excellent resource for afterschool programs aiming to inspire the next generation of innovators. These programs not only keep students engaged beyond traditional school hours but also provide a foundation for the skills they will need in future careers.
