The 2021 School's Out, Make It Count Conference will feature more than 50 workshops designed specifically for out-of-school time professionals. Eight of these workshops will focus on STEM learning. One of the featured STEM workshops is:

During this workshop you will learn how to start and structure a new eSports program at your school or afterschool program. Learn what programs you can use to compete, what hang-ups to expect, how to build a community and gain support, and the basics of being a coach.

AzCASE invites out-of-school time staff from across the state that are leading STEM programming to participate in a peer learning community this fall! 

The Million Girls Moonshot Peer Learning Community will provide a unique space to: 

The Million Girls Moonshot seeks to re-imagine who can engineer, who can build, who can make. It will inspire and prepare the next generation of innovators by engaging one million more girls in STEM learning opportunities through afterschool and summer programs over the next 5 years. As a member of the Mott-funded 50 State Afterschool Network, AzCASE is helping to make this dream a reality! Read more about the Moonshot here.

This is a cohort-based experience where participants share in a learning and support journey from start to finish.

The sessions will be shaped by the needs of the cohort and will center peer cross-sharing and thought partnership. STEM Next online modules will be integrated to support exploration of effective STEM activity facilitation with youth. 

Each member will receive a certificate of completion, and the cohort will be recognized in the AzCASE newsletter and at the AzCASE Conference and/or Lights On events. 

Submit an Enrollment Form by Friday, September 24th. Space is limited and enrollment will be confirmed on a rolling basis until the cohort is filled. Teams of 2-3 from each program are encouraged to enroll. Each person must submit an enrollment form to participate. Have a question? Contact us here.

A STEM mindset encompasses many things, and perhaps does not mean the same thing to every person. Many believe, however, that it combines general attributes that are independent of an individual’s academic and career pursuits with STEM-specific elements. STEM mindset is important for scientists and engineers—it certainly helps them succeed in what they do. Further, it helps young people see STEM-related careers as possibilities. I’d argue, though, that it’s bigger than that. Because of the role science and technology play in our lives, a STEM mindset isn’t reserved only for those with or pursuing STEM-related careers. It is important to everyone—at any age, in any profession, and anywhere in the world.

Microsoft Education in partnership with NASA have developed a collection of lesson plans to celebrate the contributions of astronauts to improving life both in space and on Earth. From a Minecraft Build Challenge to a lesson on Designing Astro Socks, there are some great activities to get K-12 youth interested in astronomy.