Girl Scouts and Motorola Outline Keys to Engaging Girls in STEM

There is new research from Girl Scouts of the USA and the Motorola Foundation about girls' engagement in STEM. The study outlines three keys to successful programs: 1) Make it real; 2) Make it relevant; 3) Make it possible. Click here for the full press release and links to more information.

K-8 Intervention Critical to College Readiness

When I talk to people (especially those who do not work in education) about after-school programs, most picture their high school extra-curriculars - sports, clubs, etc. In reality, high quality after-school enrichment and youth development are necessary from an early age. Among other benefits they provide, these programs help youth see where school connects to the real world. This is important in helping them build their skills on a path toward success.

When one of the points on that path is college attendance, high school is very late to start an intervention. That conclusion is supported by a recent report from ACT, which finds that student readiness in 8th grade has a larger impact on college and career readiness than anything that happens academically during high school. Meanwhile, only about 20% of eighth graders are on a pace to be college-ready by high school graduation.

There are so many hours that are not used in the years before high school. Let's support the after-school programs that are trying to change that for millions of youth.