Spring break and holidays make this time of year busy even during normal times. So we've decided to extend the STEM Grant application deadline by two weeks to give you a bit more time to get yours submitted!

Apply by April 15th for up to $1500 in funding to incorporate or expand the use of STEM-based learning in your program. Extra points will be given to programs that have signed the Make It Count Pledge and who have submitted an Assessment using the AzQSAT. Additional consideration will be given to programs that promote equity.

As part of our Summer Planning Focus on Tuesday, April 20th, AzCASE invites you to attend a session on Explorations in Computer Science for K-8. In this session, participants will learn about and explore free resources to support students learning computer science. No computer science background is required, just a passion for sharing this critical skill with the youth with whom you work. Various block-based programming environments will be explored along with ideas to unleash youth engagement, creativity, and self-expression!

Janice Mak joins us from the Data Science Academy U Arizona. She also serves on several boards, including the Arizona State Board of Education, Computer Science Teachers Association, and the National Science Teaching Association Technology Advisory Board, and is the chair of the Arizona Department of Education's technology task force.

For a screen-free way to encourage children’s curiosity and keep them engaged in STEM learning, podcasts offer plenty of fun and accessible options. The National Inventors Hall of Fame compiled a list of some of the best kid-friendly, STEM podcast recommendations.