The President's Council of Advisors on Science and Technology have issued a new report, "Prepare and Inspire: K-12 Education in Science, Engineering, Technology, and Math (STEM) for America's Future." The report calls for several steps to improve STEM education in the United States, including an increase in after-school programs that incorporate STEM projects. In particular, they hope to see more after-school programs for girls, African American, and Hispanic youth.
From an Education Week article,
The report also asserts that the federal role in such programs should be “significant.” Working together, the council states, the Department of Education and the National Science Foundation “should develop a coordinated initiative” dubbed INSPIRE, which would focus on “individualized, transforming experiences with STEM subjects.” In addition to supporting after-school and extended-day programs, INSPIRE could support boosting the number of local, state, and national STEM contests for students.