Resources

I know that you’re always looking for educational resources for your kids, whether they are STEM-related or not. Many options are available, but useful, high-quality ones can be hard to find. Here are a variety of resources that I’ve come across that you might find helpful.

DIY Electronics Stores

Adafruit: DIY electronics and kits and open-source hardware and tutorials
Maker Shed: The online store of Make: magazine and Maker Faire
Sparkfun: Over 2,000 open-source components and widgets plus online tutorials

Hackathons for Teens

Blueprint: Free learnathon and hackathon for local high school students held at MIT
CodeDay: Worldwide events where students get together and build apps & games
Devpost: Find hackathons, explore projects, and host hackathons on the platform
Hack Club: List of high school hackathons in the US & worldwide
MAHacks: Free hackathon for high school students in New England (MA)
Major League Hacking (MLH): Student hackathon league powering over 200 events
TechTogether: Leads gender-inclusive hackathons

College Prep

Collegewise: Nation’s largest college counseling organization
College Scoops: Interactive virtual tours of colleges and universities
College Trips and Tips: College tips and travel guide created by parents & students
Gap Year Solutions: Gap year consulting services
Strategic Academic Success: STEM prep courses and seminars in MA, CT, and remote

STEM Programs and Organizations for Girls & Women

Black Girls Code: Teaches girls about computer programming and digital technology
Girls in Tech: Educates and empowers girls and women passionate about technology
Girls Who Code: Free coding programs for girls in grades 3-12 & college-aged women
EmpowHer: Competition for teen girls creating community service STEM projects 
Lesbians Who Tech: Community of queer women in tech and the people who love them
MakerGirl: Girls ages 7-10 learn how to design and print 3D objects
NCWIT Aspirations in Computing: Community for high school & college women in tech
She Geeks Out: Networking organization for tech and tech-adjacent women and their allies
STEM Study: Lists networking, advocacy, & mentorship programs for women & minorities
SWENext: Society of Women Engineers membership for students aged 13-18
Syracuse University: STEM career resources for students, educators & parents
TechGirlz: Free workshops to get girls interested in different kinds of technology
Technovation Challenge: Girls create mobile apps to solve community problems
Women in Tech Summit: Events to inspire, educate, & connect women in tech careers

Startup and Tech Jobs in Massachusetts

AngelList: Website for startups, angel investors & job-seekers looking to work at startups
Built In Boston: Find jobs, news, & events in Boston startups & tech companies
LearnLaunch: Non-profit organization serving the education ecosystem in New England
Venture Fizz: Search tech industry jobs & companies in Boston, NYC, or remote

STEM Podcasts and Videos for Kids

Brains On!: A science podcast for curious kids
But Why: A Podcast for Curious Kids: A show led by kids who submit their questions
I Can Be What?!:  YouTube series giving kids a sneak peek into STEAM careers
Tumble: Stories about science discoveries, with the help of scientists
Wow in the World: Stories about science, technology, and innovation

Tutoring and Coaching

Beyond BookSmart: Executive function coaching for students
GoPeer: Connects qualified college undergraduate tutors with K-12 students

Educator Resources

SmartLab Learning: STEM-focused project-based learning environments & experiences 
CSforALL: Central resource for K-12 computer science education
CS Unplugged: Free computer science teaching materials using hands-on games and puzzles
CYBER.ORG: Free K-12 cyber education program with age-appropriate content 
Eduporium: Custom tech bundles for teachers and libraries, with activities & live workshops
Farm Sanctuary: Free curriculums on farm animals, sanctuary & our food system
Journal of Emerging Investigators: Science journal & mentorship for student researchers
MATHCOUNTS: Fun, challenging math programs for middle school students
MIT Edgerton Center: Free makerspace resources for K-12 educators
NVIDIA: A hub of resources & news for AI and robotics educators
OpenSciEd: High-quality free science education materials
ROBOTIS: K-12 robotics kits including an open source, 3D printable, humanoid robot
Ward’s Science Grants Services: Free resource for finding and writing STEM grants
Tinkercad: Free, easy-to-use app for 3D design, electronics, and coding
Vidcode: JavaScript coding tutorials that enable students to make creative projects
Youth Design Challenge: Students design bio-inspired ideas to solve real-world problems