SC Afterschool Alliance to participate in innovative STEM workforce development initiative
November 7, 2024
South Carolina Afterschool Alliance (SCAA) announced the launch of a youth career readiness program focusing on the fields of science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM) in South Carolina. STEM Next Opportunity Fund, a national nonprofit and leading expert in out-of-school time (OST) STEM education, has been awarded a $3.3 million grant from the U.S. Department of Labor’s Youth Workforce Pathways program to support the launch of its Exploring Career Connections in STEM (EC²) Initiative in Missouri, Nebraska, South Carolina, and South Dakota through partnerships with state afterschool networks.
The EC² Initiative is an innovative model that fosters partnerships among afterschool programs, workforce development boards, schools, employers, and industry associations to create sustainable solutions that address barriers to STEM careers for underserved youth. South Carolina was selected as a participant in the initiative because it is experiencing economic growth and an increasing need for skilled STEM workers.
The grant allowed South Carolina Afterschool Alliance to create partnerships with the Lower Savannah Workforce Development Government Council, Voorhees University, SC Department of Mental Health, mtu-Aiken plant, Rolls-Royce Solutions America, The Original Six Foundation, SC Department of Juvenile Justice, SC Manufacturers Alliance, Apprenticeship Carolina, school districts of Allendale, Orangeburg, as well as local after school providers and local industries.
“The Exploring Career Connections in STEM (EC²) Initiative is critical to help South Carolina build the next generation workforce,” said Zelda Waymer, President and CEO of SCAA. “The partnerships this grant allowed us to create will ensure that underserved communities across South Carolina are given the resources they need to prepare students for high-quality STEM careers.”
The program will enroll youth ages 14-21 in 1,656 afterschool sites across South Carolina, providing them with:
• Work-based learning training (and/or college coursework) to prepare them as STEM facilitators for afterschool programs
• Career exploration opportunities, job readiness training, mentorship, and connections to community-based supports
• Access to internships, apprenticeships, potential employers, and post-secondary education pathways
Additional younger youth in out-of-school-time STEM programs will also benefit through career exploration activities delivered by EC² youth trainees.
“Exploring Career Connections in STEM is providing a new model for workforce development in STEM fields by integrating afterschool programs into the career readiness continuum,” said Ron Ottinger, executive director of STEM Next Opportunity Fund. “The power of partnerships ensures that youth from rural and underserved communities are not left behind in the fast-growing STEM economy, while also responding to the growing workforce needs of the nation.”
The U.S. Department of Labor grant will fund 28 percent, totaling $3,299,928, of the total project costs. STEM Next, its affiliates and partners are leveraging an additional $8,438,689 from non-governmental sources to support the remaining 72 percent of total costs for the EC2 initiative.
STEM Next aims to expand the program to additional states by the end of the project period.
About the South Carolina Afterschool Alliance
South Carolina Afterschool Alliance (SCAA) is a partnership among state government agencies, municipal leaders, foundations, higher education, business leaders, the arts community, local school districts, after school program providers and other critical stakeholders joining together to form a supportive statewide network for after-school and summer learning programs. SCAA works with its partners to raise awareness, increase sustainability, and promote the importance of quality afterschool programs. For additional information please visit http://scafterschool.com/.
About STEM Next Opportunity Fund
STEM Next Opportunity Fund is a nonprofit organization that makes high-quality STEM learning opportunities a reality for millions of young people across the nation by supporting the out-of-school time (OST) field. STEM Next has set an ambitious goal to excite 20 million more youth and teens, especially girls, students of color, and those in underserved communities by 2030. Through its signature initiatives, the Institute for a STEM Ready America and the Million Girls Moonshot, STEM Next is working to ensure that every child has STEM opportunities that inspire curiosity, innovation, and the critical thinking skills for whatever comes NEXT. Learn more at stemnext.org.
