#United States #STEM Education #Harrisburg #PSAYDN #Afterschool Programs

Advancing STEM Education through PSAYDN's 2025 Initiative

The Pennsylvania Statewide Afterschool Youth Development Network (PSAYDN) has announced a significant initiative aimed at enhancing STEM education within out-of-school time programs. With a vision that aligns with the needs of a rapidly evolving job market, this program focuses on engaging both alumni and emerging STEM ambassadors, aiming to broaden access to pivotal learning resources across the state.

The Importance of STEM Education

As the demand for STEM professionals surges, surpassing non-STEM careers in growth, it has become crucial to provide students with ample opportunities to explore these fields. Contrell Armor, director of PSAYDN, emphasized this importance, stating, "Out-of-school time programs offer a vital platform to ignite interest and build essential STEM knowledge. Our STEM Ambassadors will use their expertise to widen resource availability and lead advocacy efforts throughout Pennsylvania." This initiative underscores the necessity of participation in STEM fields as a foundational step towards future job readiness.

Key Features of the Initiative

PSAYDN's STEM project is set to include various elements designed to bolster educational experiences. This encompasses professional development segments, youth engagement activities, and targeted policy advocacy. One highlight of the initiative is the upcoming Afterschool Advocacy Day on June 4, where ambassadors will collaborate with policymakers at the Pennsylvania State Capitol to elevate STEM opportunities in informal learning settings. This event showcases the ongoing partnership between educational institutions and policymakers, aiming to create sustainable pathways for students into STEM careers.

Meet the 2025 PSAYDN STEM Ambassadors

A diverse group of talented individuals has been selected to serve as STEM Ambassadors for 2025. Notable members of this cohort include:

• - Jeff Remington: STEM Ambassador Special Cohort Facilitator and Outreach Liaison for Penn State's Center for Science and the Schools.
• - Alexandra Konsur-Grushinski: Director of the Pennsylvania Statewide STEM Ecosystem, playing a crucial mentoring role.
• - William Atkins: Senior FIRST Mentor and Smart Manufacturer Mentor, focusing on robotics and youth engagement in tech.
• - Rachel Burcin: Co-Director of Robotics Scholars and Manager of Global Programs at Carnegie Mellon University.
• - Ann Czeponis: Director of Environmental Education and Internships at Susquehanna University, promoting sustainability education.
• - Donna DeMarco and William Fee: Faculty members involved in delivering science education and innovative programs across their respective institutions.
• - Addison Leedy and Jakyra Simpson: Educators who bridge classroom learning with pioneering STEM activities through community events and entrepreneurial ventures.
• - Rose Slike and Meghan Tanner: Advocates for youth literacy and hands-on science education, enhancing accessibility to learning resources.

Their combined efforts promise to enhance the outreach and effectiveness of PSAYDN's mission.

Partnership and Support

This ambitious initiative is made possible through collaborations with key partners like the Penn State Center for Science and the Schools, the Afterschool Alliance, and the STEM Education Coalition. Together, they focus on establishing a supportive environment for youth that fosters curiosity and innovation in STEM disciplines. PSAYDN continues to advocate for high-quality, sustainable after-school programs that empower youth and enrich communities throughout the state.

For more information about the PSAYDN initiative and the roles of its ambassadors, visit www.psaydn.org.

As the initiative moves forward, PSAYDN remains committed to building an educational framework that not only meets the demands of the future workforce but also encourages all students to engage in STEM learning, paving the path for the next generation of innovators.