Features

STEM is growing

But many still lack access

LANSING -- Afterschool programs are giving more Michigan young people opportunities to explore science, technology, engineering and math, but hundreds of thousands of families remain unable to access those experiences, according to new America After 3PM data released by the Afterschool Alliance.

Among Michigan parents with a child enrolled in an afterschool program, 93% report that their child has access to STEM learning. That represents a significant increase from 60% in 2014.

Programs are also offering young people opportunities across the full range of STEM subjects. Parents report access to math in 90% of programs, science and engineering in 85%, computer science in 82% and technology in 81%.

"Michigan's afterschool programs have made incredible progress in bringing hands-on STEM learning to young people, but access remains the biggest barrier," said Erin Skene-Pratt, executive director of the Michigan Afterschool Partnership. "When hundreds of thousands of youth are still waiting for an afterschool opportunity, we are leaving curiosity, talent and potential on the sidelines. Michigan families agree across political lines that these programs deserve public investment, and our state's lawmakers have responded to that call with historic funding levels. We look forward to boosting access significantly in the coming years."

Michigan policymakers have awarded an historic $135 million to afterschool and summer programming in FY27, largely in response to demand from families and caregivers. Parents of 828,578 Michigan young people want afterschool programs for their families, yet 678,070 do not have access. Altogether, approximately five in six Michigan young people are missing out on afterschool learning opportunities.

Support for expanding access to afterschool and summer programming crosses political affiliations. Eighty-eight percent of Michigan parents favor public funding for afterschool opportunities, including 92% of Democrats, 90% of independents and 87% of Republicans.

The findings demonstrate both what Michigan's afterschool programs have accomplished and what remains at stake. With sustained public investment, Michigan can build on the strength of existing programs and bring hands-on STEM learning within reach for more young people, families and communities.

To learn more about America After 3PM and explore recommendations for action, visit aa3pm.co.