Across the U.S., 10.2 million kids rely on afterschool programs and in every community, the COVID-19 pandemic has impacted the ability of these programs to serve young people and their families. To face this challenge effectively, it is important for education leaders, policymakers, funders, and the public to have comprehensive information about the current situation, as well as projections and concerns for the future.
To drive this learning, the Afterschool Alliance—a nonprofit working to ensure that all children across the U.S. have access to affordable, quality afterschool programs—is conducting multiple surveys over the coming months to monitor the situation and help provide solutions.
Why You Should Take the Survey
Science and technology centers and museums are important contributors to the diverse landscape of afterschool program providers. We know many ASTC members lead, manage, and support afterschool programs, on site and in their communities. These include youth career ladder programs, science and technology clubs for elementary and middle school students, and other innovative models for youth development.
Please complete this 10-minute survey in the next two weeks. Our community’s contribution to this research will help tell the full story of what youth need during the 2020–2021 school year and beyond. Your responses will be anonymous.
Completing the Survey
To thank you for your time, the Afterschool Alliance will randomly select 50 survey respondents to win one of two prizes: a $25 cash prize or a STEMfinity gift card.
If you need assistance completing the survey, please contact Lydia Redway at redway@edgeresearch.com. If you would like more information about the research initiative, please contact Nikki Yamashiro, Vice President of Research, at nyamashiro@afterschoolalliance.org.
More About ASTC’s work with the Afterschool Alliance
ASTC partnered with the Afterschool Alliance in 2013 through a Clinton Global Initiative Commitment to Action to increase and deepen relationships between science centers and afterschool providers across the United States. Our organizations have worked together in a variety of capacities over the years: establishing the STEM Afterschool Community of Practice, offering mini-grants for new partnerships, providing professional development, documenting youth outcomes, and engaging in advocacy. ASTC is an active member of the Afterschool STEM Hub, a coalition of national afterschool and summer leaders and stakeholders.
Photo: High school students participate in a summer program from the Bishop Museum in Honolulu, HI. Youth engage in STEAM (science, technology, engineering, art, and mathematics) activities using the museum’s unique biological and cultural resources.