STEM learning no longer occurs in a single setting or at a single point in time. Students develop STEM knowledge, skills, interests, and identities through a combination of classroom experiences and a wide range of out‑of‑school opportunities, including afterschool programs, libraries, museums, camps, and digital platforms.

This study builds on prior work led by the KC STEM Alliance, which brought together researchers, educators, and afterschool leaders to collaboratively develop a set of K–8 STEM Indicators. It aims to demonstrate the feasibility of linking afterschool and in-school data to assess student STEM outcomes. Participating sites will use these data to better understand how learning experiences across settings work together and how they are associated with students’ growth in STEM identity and academic outcomes.

UERC is partnering with the Missouri Afterschool Network to conduct this project. Five sites across Missouri will participate in the study and enter into data-sharing agreements to demonstrate the feasibility of sharing STEM-related data across programs and systems.