Afterschool centers are known for being flexible spaces where young people enjoy freedom of talk and movement, build long-term relationships with peers and staff, and engage in choice-based programming that supports them in exploring their interests and emerging identities. These conditions are ideal for connected forms of learning that differ…

The out-of-school time (OST) domain offers a promising resource for enriching young people's experience of science, technology, and engineering. Belief is widespread that OST programs are ideal locations in which to learn science and that youth participation may increase access to science for underrepresented groups, such as girls or minorities,…

As framed by national education policy priorities, the dominant metaphor describing participation and achievement in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) is a "pipeline." The STEM workforce requires a "pipeline" of future scientists, engineers, and mathematicians. This pipeline begins in childhood and…

Once a motley mix of afterschool, before-school, summer, and weekend programs, the out-of-school-time (OST) field is fast consolidating. As in other emerging fields, efforts to professionalize are gaining momentum; the field now boasts several professional certificates as well as degree programs. Strong emphasis has been placed on in-service…

Fabulous Fashions is a program established in 2000 for fifth through eighth graders attending high-need school, M.S. 127, in the Castle Hill section of the Bronx. Within the program, fashion design is offered three times a week; students who enroll are required to attend all three sessions. Students may participate in as many seasons of fashion as…