We believe youth have the power to improve their communities.
Many young people have smart ideas for solving the challenges they see around them. Some have the tools and opportunities to make a difference—but most do not.
The Collective for Youth Empowerment in STEM & Society (CYESS), an initiative of the Afterschool Alliance, is changing that by leveraging the potential of afterschool programs for civic engagement and STEM learning.
Our network of youth programs, researchers, and leaders is working to expand civic engagement opportunities in afterschool programs to help youth develop their voice and agency to make change. And since STEM skills and knowledge are now essential to solve community challenges, we’re helping youth in afterschool programs engage with STEM and connect it to tackling community challenges.
Too often, young people are left out of conversations that impact their lives and shape the future. When we empower youth with agency to tackle challenges using their STEM knowledge and skills, they will create innovative new solutions and be invested in improving the world around them – often beyond what adults can imagine. Please join us!
Learn more Meet the team