Professional Development

Webinar: Discover the Latest from YES! | May 6, 2026 7-8 PM | Interested in learning about the newest Youth Engineering Solutions (YES) resources from the Museum of Science, Boston? Join this free webinar to explore their latest curriculum units and STEM learning tools. Discover new YES engineering unit designed for K-8 classrooms, out-reach-school programs, and family STEM events. These student-tested resources engage learners in real-world engineering design challenges that build problem-solving skills, creativity, and collaboration. Reserve your spot and see how YES can support your STEM programming:  Register Here

Explore Machine Learning with YES | Explore Machine Learning with YES Watch a webinar from the Museum of Science, Boston, on engaging K–8 students with machine learning through real-world engineering challenges. No coding required. Watch the recording Here

RTX Invention Convention – Call for Judges 

This June, The Henry Ford is welcoming 500 youth inventors from across the country to meet, showcase their ideas and compete for up to 80 awards at the RTX Invention Convention U.S. Nationals 2026. They are currently recruiting online and in-person judges, and speaking from experience, this is a great way to fill your bucket and feel hopeful for our future.

• Online Judging: looking for dedicated volunteers to help score students’ video presentations, provide valuable feedback and inspire the next generation of inventors and entrepreneurs. This is just a 2-hour commitment that can be done anytime between may 15-22. Attached are more details and you can register by May 8 to be an online judge and make a lasting impact.
• In-Person Judging: If you or colleagues are interested in serving as an in-person judge, details on registration are also attached in the In-Person Judge Invitation, where you can register by May 8, attend a 90 min training webinar May 18 or May 19; and be available to judge at the Henry Ford in Dearborn, MI on June 4.

Clover for Youth 

The Clover for Youth curriculum helps students develop positive mental health and grow their interpersonal skills. Youth participate in activities and discussion based on PEAR’s research-backed Clover Model of Youth Development. The model highlights four foundational elements that people of all ages need in order to thrive: Active Engagement, Assertiveness, Belonging, and Reflection.

To sign up to be part of EDGE during summer 2026, click here by April 30, 2026. For questions, please email 4Leaf.center@gmail.com. www.4leaflearning.org

Edge: Environmental Design and Green Engineering  

Are you looking for an engaging STEM program for middle schoolers during summer 2026? 4Leaf Learning has created Environmental Design and Green Engineering (EDGE) in conjunction with The Tech Interactive in San Jose, California. This six-session curriculum proved fun, hands-on activities that tackle real-world environmental engineering challenges and build 21st century skills, all free of charge.

To sign up to be part of EDGE during summer 2026, please click here by April 30, 2026. For questions, please email 4Leaf.center@gmail.com

How to Incorporate AI in Afterschool: Insights and Resources from the STEM Next x Hour of AI Webinar

AI is already part of students’ daily lives. The real questions is whether we are helping them understand it.

In STEM Next’s recent webinar with Qualcomm and Code.org, educators explored practical ways to bring hands-on AI learning into classrooms, afterschool programs, and summer learning spaces.

A takeaway stood out:

“AI does not replace creativity. It expands what students can create.”

The session focused on real, accessible entry points that educators can use right away, regardless of experience level.

If you missed it, you can review the key takeaways, find AI learning resources form code.org, and access the full webinar recording in this blog: https://stemnext.org/how-to-incorporate-ai-in-afterschool-insights/

As AI continues to evolve, giving young people the skills to question, understand, and create with it is becoming essential.

Career-Connected Learning Series: Building Engineering & Awareness in Pre-K and Kindergarten    

STEM Next is accelerating our efforts to advance career-connected learning in afterschool and summer learning programs with our Career-Connected Learning Framework for Out-of-School Time Providers. In this training, we will dive deep into the first phase of Career Awareness. With out partners at the Museum of Science in Boston, we will explore curricular resources that are tailored to preschool and kindergarten contexts. Attendees will learn how engineering and career awareness can be integrated into existing activities to support literacy development, number sense, creativity, and collaboration.

Audience: This training is designed for out-of-school time program providers and staff, including directors, professional development and quality specialists, and facilitators. It is also ideal for out-of-school time organizations, including museum and library staff. View recording here.