On May 10, afterschool educators, families, and students from coast to coast gathered to celebrate what makes informal STEM learning so powerful: curiosity, creativity, and community. From Maine to New Mexico, programs marked 75 years of discovery and innovation fueled by the National Science Foundation (NSF) during a national STEM Day with hands-on challenges, student-led workshops, and celebrations of mentorship.
What made this celebration special was how it reflected the spirit of afterschool learning itself—vibrant, varied, and rooted in relationships. Across the country, events were shaped by the young people and communities they served, all while weaving in ACRES facilitation strategies like purposeful questioning, uplifting youth voice and choice, and creating welcoming, inclusive spaces. A few examples that capture the range of experiences from the day include:
- A community STEM showcase in Wisconsin featuring coding robots, LEGO SPIKE Prime builds, and hands-on math challenges, where families explored problem-solving activities while educators practiced ACRES’ supportive questioning strategies.
- A demonstration of learners’ game development in Pennsylvania, where teams of youth led mini workshops to exhibit their work and present a hands-on activity to families and community members using ACRES skills such as inviting learner voice and choice.
- An interactive AI and computational thinking event in New Mexico that invited families, educators, and mentors to explore AI’s creative potential while modeling ACRES techniques like collaborative reflection and elevating diverse youth voices in tech fields.
- A STEM mentorship program celebration in New York that integrated neuroscience, environmental science, and material science labs, co-facilitated by scientist mentors and students, guided by ACRES-informed approaches to making STEM accessible and exciting for all.
Here in Maine, MMSA’s own STEM Fest welcomed local families and youth to engage with interactive stations, community science games, and STEM design challenges at our Augusta office. Educators from MMSA and Maine’s 21st Century Community Learning Centers guided activities, using intentional prompts and safe, supportive facilitation techniques to spark conversation and exploration.
Altogether, these events engaged hundreds of youth, families, educators, and community partners, showing what’s possible when professional learning like ACRES empowers educators and mentors to bring discovery and innovation to life in their communities.
As we reflect on NSF’s 75 years of advancing science education, this day was a powerful reminder that discovery isn’t confined to labs or lecture halls—it happens in libraries, teen centers, playgrounds, and afterschool programs led by caring, skilled adults who create space for young people to learn, wonder, and lead.
We’re proud to be part of this national network of educators and programs investing in the future through curiosity, creativity, and connection. Here’s to the next chapter of innovation in informal STEM learning!
