After-school enrichment programs are well established in most schools and based on my experience, the variety of classes changes each year. As coding and robotics have become more popular, many after-school programs have added STEM classes to their roster. If your child is tech-minded, you may want to see if there are STEM-based programs offered at your school.
After-school enrichment programs vary by school and are often sponsored by the Parent Teacher Association (PTA) or similar organizations. In my school system, the programs are run by the PTA and Parent Teacher Organization (PTO) and they give kids an opportunity to experience all kinds of classes in areas such as art, fitness, language, music, nature and yes, technology! Classes are taught by school teachers, area residents, and locally-owned businesses.
STEM classes are popular in my town and fill up fast. In the elementary schools, some of the well-known classes are Lego Engineering offered by Wicked Cool for Kids and science programs presented by Mad Science. My youngest daughter took Mad Science classes and enjoyed the demonstrations and hands-on, science-themed activities. I like how Mad Science aligns their programs with STEM objectives and approaches science from a “see how cool science can be” angle. For the elementary school crowd, this program is very appealing, and the good news is that there are Mad Science programs offered throughout the country.
As children move from elementary school to middle school, after-school enrichment programs evolve to meet students’ needs and interests. I spoke with Constance Moore, one of the coordinators of the PTO Club at our middle school, to get her thoughts on tech-oriented programs. She said, “There are kids at the middle school level who are drawn to tech/STEM-oriented classes. We get a lot of sign-ups, and we usually have to run a lottery.”
The Science and Technology/Engineering teacher at my daughter’s school offered an after-school class called “Design and Engineering Club for Girls.” My daughter signed up and she and her team got a chance to build a Rube Goldberg machine (a chain reaction contraption) and enter it into the MIT Museum’s Annual Friday After Thanksgiving (F.A.T.) Chain Reaction event. They had a blast building a colorful and whimsical contraption with plastic food toys. It was equally fun watching them set up and run their design, affectionately named “Fun with Food,” at the MIT event. The project benefited the students in many ways, including being part of a team, learning engineering skills, and having the chance to let their creativity shine.
As you consider after-school STEM classes for your child, keep these important points in mind.
Benefits of STEM enrichment classes for students:
- Kids get to try something new– without a big commitment. Think your child might want to learn to code? Try an 8-week program and see if they like it.
- Comfort and friends. What’s better than trying something new at school with friends? Sign your child up with a friend! (I do this all the time.)
- Have fun learning without all the seriousness of school. The best after-school teachers work hard to encourage learning in a fun and laid-back way.
Why STEM classes are great for you, the parent!
- They won’t break your wallet! Since many classes are sponsored by non-profit organizations like the PTA, organizers work hard to offer moderately-priced classes.
- No driving involved. You probably already spend a lot of time driving your kids to activities. Enrichment classes are offered after school, so kids can walk directly to their classes. No extra drive time required!
- Peace of mind– knowing your child is getting the opportunity for additional learning within the school environment.
The school day doesn’t have to end when the bell rings; enrichment programs can enhance your child’s learning experience in new and different ways. As you’re planning this year’s activities, consider after-school STEM programs as a way for your child to explore interests and build skills. And if your school doesn’t offer STEM classes, talk with your after-school enrichment program coordinator and make some suggestions. I am sure they will be happy to consider classes for future sessions.
Comments on “Why After School Enrichment Programs are a Great Way to Test-Drive STEM Classes”
My children are getting to the age that they are beginning to study science in school. I would love to find an afterschool program that I can enroll them in so that they can learn more. It would be especially beneficial since it will already be at the school and I won’t have to drive them anywhere, as you mentioned. We will search for a program near us.
I like that you stae that having your kids in STEM enrichment courses will help them work on something new. My daughter has been wanting to take her science education a step further this year so she can be better prepared for the harder classes she wants to take. I will keep this in mind and look for high school science programs that she can attend.