[Congressional Record Volume 159, Number 29 (Thursday, February 28, 2013)]
[Senate]
[Page S1008]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                         ADDITIONAL STATEMENTS

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                             STEM EDUCATION

 Mrs. BOXER. Madam President, I rise today to speak about the 
great work that afterschool and summer learning programs in California 
and across the country are doing to engage children and youth in 
science, technology, engineering, and mathematics, STEM, education.
  Afterschool and summer programs are a vital part of our country's 
education tapestry. They provide engaging, hands-on learning 
experiences that stimulate student interest, develop crucial skills, 
and drive home the relevance of STEM to our daily lives. Out-of-school 
learning opportunities help children develop the academic and life 
skills, such as problem-solving and determination, which are crucial in 
STEM fields. Additionally, these programs provide key opportunities for 
mentors and role models to engage with children.
  High-quality afterschool STEM learning programs are having a 
significant impact on the young people who participate in them. A 
recent study shows participants in afterschool and summer programs have 
improved attitudes toward STEM fields and careers, increased STEM 
capacities and skills, and a higher likelihood of graduating from high 
school and pursuing a STEM major in college.
  One of these exemplary programs is the Woodcraft Rangers Program in 
Los Angeles, CA. Woodcraft Rangers exposes middle school students to 
cutting-edge STEM activities, including robotics. This highly engaging 
program allows students to configure high-tech robotics, enhancing 
their STEM skills, unlocking their imaginations, and exposing them to 
real-world problem-solving situations. Afterschool and summer programs 
are uniquely positioned to deliver valuable enrichment activities like 
robotics that help children gain valuable creativity, critical 
thinking, and team-building skills.
  In addition to programs that serve children and youth directly, 
organizations such as the Afterschool Alliance are working to advance 
policies, research, and partnerships so that all children can access 
rich STEM education experiences through out-of-school programs.
  Private companies are also embarking on efforts, such as Time Warner 
Cable's Connect a Million Minds, CAMM, initiative, to promote youth 
interest and performance in STEM fields during out-of-school time. 
Businesses like Time Warner Cable know that investing in STEM education 
now helps ensure a robust workforce in the future, and they know that 
afterschool, summer, and other out-of-school programs are key venues 
for students to develop the problem-solving, team-building, and 
creative thinking skills necessary for a strong STEM workforce.
  I applaud the afterschool and summer learning programs, advocacy 
organizations, and community partnerships across the country that are 
working to advance our students' STEM achievement and our country's 
future through enriching out-of-school learning. To support the work of 
these organizations, I hope that the Senate can come together to 
reauthorize the 21st Century Community Learning Centers Program--the 
only Federal program dedicated to supporting afterschool and summer 
learning.

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