For 21 years, #LightsOnAfterschool has put a spotlight on the important role afterschool has played in our communities – now, that role has never been more important, especially for our students & families most in need due to the COVID-19 pandemic. When schools were forced to close in March, afterschool programs across the country immediately jumped in to make sure families who relied on afterschool meals, childcare, and much more were taken care of. Recent survey data shows how afterschool programs rose to the moment – but need more support to ensure they’ll be here for students now and in the future. 

Highlight your STEM program this year with a live virtual event, engage with a local museum or science center to run an online activity workshop, or find more ideas here. Find out how we are celebrating this year and what you can do to shine a light on your program. Register your event to receive continued resources, tools, and updates for your event.

The 2020 School's Out, Make It Count Conference -- taking place virtually from October 10th - 30th -- will feature more than 60 virtual workshops, including seven sessions devoted to STEM learning.

Two of the featured STEM workshops will be presented by "The Fly Guy", Gary Alpert. Join us for his session, The Dart, to learn how to take your basic paper airplane activity to new heights! And sign up for Rubber Band Slingshot Rocket to learn to use everyday items to engage kids in a fun, hands-on physics activity.

Now in its third year, Southwest Human Development's MAKERS of Change Assistive Technology Challenge engages high school students to advance their STEM knowledge and learn important lessons about the practical application of assistive technology solutions.

STEM teams will compete over the next two months in a variety of categories to develop real-world solutions to real-life problems experienced by those with physical disabilities. Teams can still sign up to participate. Final presentations will be made on Nov. 7.