Afterschool STEM Participation Has Grown Nationwide

More families now report that their children have access to science and technology programming after school.

Updated on Sept. 22, 2026 in Secondary Education

Gouache-painted illustration of a brass compass and metallic cog on a wooden surface, representing student engagement in science and technology programming. — Nationwide participation in afterschool STEM programs has reached 92 percent, with millions of students engaging in science and technology enrichment annually. AI Illustration. Upload story photo >

Live Poll

Do you believe afterschool programs in your area provide children with the skills needed for jobs?

Parental reports of STEM engagement in afterschool programs have risen to 92 percent, up from 69 percent in 2014. Currently, 6.4 million students across the country participate in these activities at least occasionally.

Why it matters

Expanding access to science, technology, engineering, and math is intended to prepare students for the future workforce. STEM literacy is increasingly viewed as a foundational skill for modern life.

Nationwide, 92 percent of parents report their child's program offers STEM learning, compared to 69 percent in 2014. Despite this growth, 22.6 million students have parents who want these programs but currently lack access.

The players

Afterschool Alliance

An organization that advocates for expanded funding and investment in afterschool and summer programs for students nationwide.

The details

Afterschool programs integrate hands-on science and technology activities into hours outside the standard school day. These programs provide a environment for students to explore their personal interests and solve real-world problems. While availability has increased in every state, rural families report an 88 percent access rate compared to 96 percent for urban families.

In 2014, parental reporting of STEM engagement was 69 percent.
By 2020, parental reporting of STEM engagement reached 73 percent.
STEM offerings increased in every state between 2014 and 2025.
The Afterschool Alliance published the Afterschool STEM Takes Off report in September 2026.

The Home Front

The steady rise in STEM programming marks a shift in how families structure after-school time to prioritize technical literacy. This trend reflects a broader emphasis on early extracurricular preparation for modern workforce demands.

Check your local school district or community center website to see if new STEM-focused afterschool sessions have been added to the current semester catalog. If your student is interested in these programs, keep in mind that 54 percent of families currently enroll their children in sessions that meet at least two or three times per week.

The takeaway

Engagement with STEM activities is on an upward trajectory across the country, with 61 percent of parents reporting satisfaction with the current quality of offerings. Families looking to increase student involvement should monitor district newsletters for new enrollment windows.