STEM education is a priority for many families, but access remains a challenge for students across Kent County. According to a recent household survey, Afterschool STEM Takes Off in Kent County, commissioned by the Afterschool Alliance and released by the Michigan Afterschool Partnership, most parents report that STEM learning opportunities are available in afterschool programs, but many children who could benefit from those programs are not enrolled.
Dr. Keli Christopher, CEO of STEM Greenhouse in Grand Rapids, said the findings reinforce a critical issue in STEM learning.
“It's not that there aren't STEM programs, but do the kids have access to them?” she said during an interview with WGVU.
Through STEM Greenhouse's afterschool and summer programs, Christopher works to ensure students have opportunities to explore science, technology, engineering and math in engaging and meaningful ways. Christopher believes STEM education is valuable for all students, not just those pursuing careers in science or technology.
“Even if you don't go directly into a STEM career, science and math and technology are just a part of our everyday lives,” she said. “Even if you're not developing the technology, you're going to be utilizing it.”
As technology continues to shape nearly every industry, STEM skills are becoming increasingly important for future success.
The Kent County survey also highlighted barriers that prevent many families from accessing available programs. Transportation, scheduling challenges and program costs can make participation difficult, particularly for working families and students in rural communities. Christopher noted that simply offering a program does not guarantee students can attend.
By bringing STEM opportunities directly into schools and communities, organizations such as STEM Greenhouse are helping remove those barriers and expand access for more young people.
Christopher hopes the survey's findings encourage continued investment in STEM education to ensure every student has the opportunity to develop the skills, confidence and curiosity needed to thrive in an increasingly technology-driven world.
“Our afterschool programs are doing vitally important work to educate the next generation about STEM and helping students apply what they learn in real-life settings,” said Erin Skene-Pratt, executive director of the Michigan Afterschool Partnership. “That, in turn, can help them imagine themselves in STEM-related careers. But every child in Kent County deserves access to an afterschool program, and there are still gaps for too many young people.”