STEM Spotlight - Afterschool Programs Showcase Engineering Careers

PYN middle school aged youth spent an afternoon learning about NASA’s mission and research from subject matter experts on April 2.

The virtual event is part of NASA’s STEM Gateway initiative. NASA hosts these virtual connections to serve as a support tool to enhance students’ understanding of real-world challenges that engineers and scientists face. The strategy is also to educate, expose, and encourage young students to explore careers in science, technology, engineering and mathematics.

NASA STEM Gateway covers several subjects such as earth science, engineering design, human space exploration, life science, mathematics, physical science, space science, and technology. The program is also open to most grade levels spanning from kindergarten through higher education.

One week before, PYN took students from Warren G. Harding Middle School to the University of Pennsylvania's School of Engineering and Applied Science on a field trip to engage in hands-on activities and meet STEM professionals.

Both of these events are considered to be after-school/out-of-school time enrichment activities through PYN’s Career Connected Learning Afterschool Program. PYN prides itself on offering career connections beyond the classroom for young people. Through its various OST programming, PYN provides afterschool enrichment activities, financial literacy, interactive workshops, and project-based career exposure and awareness. The young people who are involved with PYN’s programming will get access to mentors, academic support, field trips and industry tours.

PYN’s after-school programming is open to middle school students across the school district of Philadelphia.

Read more about PYN's Afterschool Programs at www.pyninc.org/afterschool.