The Building Efficacy in STEM Today (B.E.S.T.) project is designed to increase the confidence that creates a solid foundation of understanding in STEM subjects through a community of practice (CoP) for school-age/out-of-school time staff. As participants build their personal knowledge of and efficacy (comfort) with STEM, they will be better prepared to engage parents, families, and caregivers who are critical to the career exploration experiences of youth. Twenty individuals who work with school-age students in an out-of-school time setting will participate in monthly CoP sessions and will engage in learning, networking, and capacity building opportunities throughout the program.  

Goal 1: Increase STEM efficacy and knowledge within out-of-school time staff by providing high-quality professional development opportunities 

Goal 2: Build out-of-school time staff capacity to engage and support families by providing proven family engagement strategies and resources 

Goal 3: Enhance STEM learning and mindsets within youth and families by providing quality STEM resources and technical assistance to out-of-school time programs 

Goal 4: Increase the number of girls and rural youth participating in high-quality STEM opportunities 

Contact Jennifer Wotring, [email protected] for more information.