The South Dakota Afterschool Network works to better our state and its communities by connecting providers, parents and policymakers with proven tools and resources to increase the quality of and access to out-of-school time programming for K-12 children and youth.
Afterschool is a lifeline that keeps youth safe, helps kids learn and grow, and provides parents the ability to work without worry. While South Dakota is home to more than 300 afterschool programs, the demand for programs exceeds available spaces. In fact, 1 in 3 South Dakota children (34 percent) who are not in an afterschool program would be enrolled if it were available. That’s more than 42,000 children who are missing out on opportunities to participate in programming that supports their development academically, socially and economically.
Afterschool can provide valuable opportunities for students to explore STEM, and we are here to help your program succeed in STEM Learning! From webinars and trainings to our signature TMC Trailers that bring turnkey STEM activities to your doorstep, our diverse collection of resources meets you and your students where you are and provides the support you need to deliver quality programming to your students at any age.
The South Dakota Afterschool Network wanted to create a mapping tool to better understand the landscape of afterschool and summer programs available for children and families. From the initial launch of the new mapping tool, we have identified some startling findings.
Engineering has become a staple of STEM programming for youth. How can we confidently bring engineering into our programming and support youth as they engage in problem solving? In this module, participants gain first-hand experience with engineering by solving a design problem. They examine the components of the engineering design process and discuss ways to […]
How can we make sure that our ‘hands on’ science experiences for youth are also ‘minds on?’ In this module, participants learn how to support youth as they engage in the science practices to learn science ideas, including planning and conducting investigations around testable questions. They will talk about the similarities and differences of questioning […]
Celebrate National Environmental Education Week with these resources: Role Model Video: #SheCanSTEM video featuring IF/THEN Ambassador and climate scientist, Dr. Victoria Herrmann Role Model Video: Mission Unstoppable: Tracking Bears with Dr. Rae Wynn-Grant Posters: This is what a scientist looks like of IF/THEN Ambassador and nuclear engineer, Dr. Rae Wynn-Grant. This poster can be used […]
Join us on April 20th for an exciting Fireside Chat: Our Vision for Afterschool in South Dakota! Hear from SDAN Executive Director Billy Mawhiney as he reflects on learnings, accomplishments and action items from his 100 Day Plan. Plus, meet the new team at SDAN and hear how they will work collaboratively towards an innovative vision for […]
3 cheers for the “M” in #STEM - join NGC Project for a webinar that will focus on all the ways math impacts our everyday lives! https://bit.ly/3Mb65G4
How often do youth in your program get to choose what they’re investigating or designing, the materials they might use, and/or how they engage with the work? In this module, participants try out strategies for elevating youth voice and choice and apply the ideas as they redesign a STEM activity to incorporate a greater variety […]
How can we make sure that our ‘hands on’ science experiences for youth are also ‘minds on?’ In this module, participants learn how to support youth as they engage in the science practices to learn science ideas, including planning and conducting investigations around testable questions. They will talk about the similarities and differences of questioning […]
How often do youth in your program get to choose what they’re investigating or designing, the materials they might use, and/or how they engage with the work? In this module, participants try out strategies for elevating youth voice and choice and apply the ideas as they redesign a STEM activity to incorporate a greater variety […]
How often do youth in your program get to choose what they’re investigating or designing, the materials they might use, and/or how they engage with the work? In this module, participants try out strategies for elevating youth voice and choice and apply the ideas as they redesign a STEM activity to incorporate a greater variety […]
STEAM Resources for Libraries May 17th 11:00 am - 12:00 pm PT / 2:00 - 3:00 pm ET Libraries are instrumental in bringing high-quality STEAM experiences to their communities. Join us to learn about resources and opportunities specifically designed for libraries.In this webinar, we are joined by representatives from NASA's Universe of Learning, The National […]
Webinar: The M in STEM: Making Math Meaningful Thursday, May 19, 2022 11:00AM Pacific / 12:00PM Mountain / 1:00PM Central / 2:00PM Eastern This webinar will focus on engaging and supporting youth in mathematics. We will learn from an AAAS IF/THEN® Ambassador who uses mathematics to positively impact society and share best practices and resources […]
Join us on June 8th for a Fireside Chat: Caring for LGBTQ Youth and Families. Hear from Susan Williams, Founder and Executive Director of The Transformation Project as she shares information and resources available to care for LGBTQ children and families. Register now!
