The Power of STEM Learning in After School and Summer

Kasey Blackburn, Oakland Unified School District

Katie Brackenridge, Partnership for Children and Youth

Jen Joyce, Techbridge

Linda Kekelis, Techbridge

Why are we here?

3 Main Goals• Understanding• Opportunity• Inspiration

Out-of-School Time? Expanded Learning? After School and Summer?A wide range of programs that promote learning and

enhance the development of youth outside of regular school hours

How big is OST?

ASES$550 million

annually• Proposition 49• All public schools are

eligible, including charter schools

• Priority for schools with predominantly low income students

21st CCLC$130 million

annually• Federal initiative but

administered by state• Includes academic

enrichment & youth development

• Focused on high poverty, low performing schools

Currently, we have over 4,200 publicly funded expanded learning program sites serving over 400,000 students, more than all other states combined.

Federal and State Investment

CA’s State Investment

Why STEM in OST makes sense?

• Best practices in STEM and OST align Active Collaborative Meaningful Supports Mastery Expands Horizons

• Flexible time for exploration and inquiry

• Opportunity to complement and expand on school-day curriculum

Real world example: Oakland USD

• Year-round opportunity: • After School Science Learning

Community• Summer Science Project

• Impacts:• Staff confidence and skill• Youth learning and engagement

Key Practice: Staff Training and Coaching

• Focus on inquiry• Outline science lesson plan structure • Use effective questioning • Use strategies to promote equity• Incorporate meaningful reflection • Embed career exploration into activities

Training Strategies

•Trainers model •Hands-on activities•Structured reflection•Case studies•Participants model•Collaboration

Sample Results from Summer Science

• Staff results“I know the necessary steps to teach science concepts effectively”8% pre to 83% post

• Student resultsThe summer science program made science more fun: 92%

Key Practice: Partnership

• After-school program providers

• School district

• Informal science education institution

• Other technical assistance providers

Table Talk: Opportunities

What are the opportunities in your community?

What additional information or resources do you need?

Thank You!

partnershipforchildren.orgtechbridgegirls.org