STEM Next is Testing a New Model for AI Learning in Afterschool. Early Results Show What Works.

Campaign: STEM Education
A teacher working with a student
Image courtesy of STEM Next

Originally published on STEM Next

Before they got involved in STEM Next’s Opportunity AI pilot project in the fall, educators said they weren’t sure where to start with using AI in their programs, much less teaching kids how to use it responsibly. Now, they’re testing activities with students, exploring how to integrate career-connected AI learning in their programs, and sharing what works with other educators across their states.

This is an early look at what it takes to scale human-centered AI learning through afterschool.

With leadership support from partners including Qualcomm and Arconic Foundation, STEM Next launched the Opportunity AI pilot project in fall 2025 with afterschool network leaders and educators in Montana, Ohio, Pennsylvania and West Virginia with a goal to make AI learning practical, accessible, and scalable through afterschool and summer programs.

Click here to read more on STEM Next