Developing Young People Through STEM
The Y is helping all children reach their full potential by supporting their unique youth development journeys. At more than 1,000 YMCA sites nationwide, kids are engaged in year-round STEM activities that nurture their curiosity, inspire creativity and teach them how to succeed.
Kids who participate in STEM activities:
- Learn how to solve problems
- Develop critical-thinking skills
- Become comfortable with failure and trying again
- Learn to work successfully in teams
- Develop self-confidence
- Are able to see themselves in STEM careers
Learn how the Y is supporting equity in STEM to help every kid advance!
STEM for All
Women continue to be underrepresented in STEM careers (such as computer scientists, engineers, biologists and more) — but the Y is here to change that. By incorporating fair and equitable practices into our programming, we're helping young leaders understand the positive impact they can have by promoting gender equity in STEM.
Download Activities Grades K-6
These fun experiments and activities are perfect for home or the classroom.
Download Activities Grades K-8
These activities will inspire kids of all ages to get involved with STEM.
Download Activities Grades 3-8
These STEM activities are great for older kids — download anytime to get started.
STEM Stories
Watch more Y stories
-
We Learned How to Program a Robot!
Watch what happens when you combine STEM (science, technology, engineering and mathematics) concepts with Legos, as Maridee builds working robots in the Valparaiso Family YMCA’s Lego Mindstorm program. Before learning about engineering at the Y, Maridee thought science was boring — now, she’s a proud lover of science and technology.
-
The Y Gave Me a Great Opportunity to Build Things
Avery likes science, which probably explains why he wants to be an engineer. See how YMCA of the North's afterschool programs are teaching this remarkably bright kid how to use his talents in science, technology, engineering and math (STEM). This is his Y. His camera. His story.
-
The Counselors Show Us Talents We Didn’t Know We Had!
How do you turn summer vacation in the city into an urban adventure? Become a Green Tween! Through this STEM (science, technology, engineering and mathematics) program at Greenpoint YMCA, Angel went on educational field trips, gardened on a green roof, tried computer coding and more. As a result, he improved his leadership and public speaking skills, grew more independent and became an environmental agent of change. This is his Y. His camera. His story.
-
Engineering is not Just for Boys
Finley loves solving problems, making slime and learning more about STEM in YMCA of Cass and Clay Counties’ afterschool program. Her parents love that she can unwind from the school day with creative activities that build her confidence. This is her Y. Her camera. Her story.
-
I Want to Be a Game Designer
When Joey says there's more to the Y than just a gym & swim, he knows what he's talking about. From 2-D drawings to 3-D animations, this young leader is taking advantage of YMCA of Long Beach’s science, engineering, technology and math (STEM) programs to achieve his goals. This is his Y. His camera. His story.
Discover More Education & Leadership Programs
-
Youth and Government™
Youth and Government™ gives thousands of students nationwide the opportunity to immerse themselves in state-organized, model-government programs. Teens discuss and debate issues, propose legislation and even serve as delegates at their state conference, debating bills on the floor of the legislature.
-
Beyond School Blog
Stay in the know with go-to tips, tools, hacks and facts sourced for families and youth development professionals who work with kids, teens and families.