Ignite STEM Learning Collaborative Cohort 2026–2027

Every young person deserves opportunities to explore, create, solve problems, and discover what's possible through STEM. Out-of-school time programs play a vital role in making those opportunities accessible—but meaningful STEM experiences begin with confident, supported educators.

The Ignite STEM Learning Collaborative is a six-month Community of Practice that brings together Minnesota out-of-school time professionals to strengthen STEM knowledge, build facilitation confidence, and create engaging, youth-centered learning experiences. Through weekly virtual learning sessions, monthly Community of Practice gatherings, hands-on application, peer collaboration, and continuous reflection, participants develop practical skills they can immediately implement in their programs.

More than a professional development series, the STEM Learning Collaborative is a statewide network of educators committed to learning from one another, sharing promising practices, and expanding equitable access to high-quality STEM opportunities for young people across Minnesota. Together, participants engage in the Ignite STEM Learning Cycle—Learn. Apply. Reflect. Connect.—building stronger educators, stronger programs, and brighter futures for Minnesota's youth.

Grounded in the Career-Connected Learning Framework

The Ignite STEM Learning Collaborative is centered on STEM Next Opportunity Fund’s Career-Connected Learning Framework, which helps out-of-school-time programs connect high-quality STEM learning with career awareness, exploration, and preparation.

Throughout the Collaborative, participating educators learn how to apply the framework’s four strategies:

Broad Skill Development: Help young people build durable and STEM-specific skills.
Career-Connected STEM: Connect STEM activities to real-world problems, professional practices, and career pathways.
Family and Community Engagement: Invite families and community members to support young people’s career learning.
Connected Pathways and Partnerships: Build relationships and experiences that expand access to future STEM opportunities.

Programs use the framework to strengthen activities they already offer, make career connections more intentional, and help young people recognize how their interests, strengths, and experiences can connect to future possibilities.

Everything we do throughout the Collaborative is grounded in a simple but powerful learning cycle that helps participants move beyond learning new ideas to confidently putting them into practice.

Learn

Build knowledge, skills, and confidence through interactive professional learning focused on high-quality STEM facilitation, youth engagement, and equitable learning experiences.

Apply

Put new strategies into action with young people in your own program. Participants are encouraged to experiment, adapt activities to fit their setting, and learn through real-world practice.

Reflect

Reflect on your experiences, celebrate successes, identify challenges, and use data—including the PEAR Common Instrument Suite—to continuously strengthen your practice.

Connect

Learn alongside youth professionals from across Minnesota by sharing ideas, solving challenges together, and building relationships that extend beyond the Collaborative.

TIMELINE

Applications are now open for the 2026–2027 Ignite STEM Learning Collaborative. If your organization is ready to strengthen STEM learning, build staff confidence, and become part of a statewide network of educators committed to high-quality out-of-school time programming, we'd love to hear from you.

Questions? Reach out to Keem Anderson | Associate Director
keem@igniteafterschool.org | Ignite Afterschool