Back to School: Why STEAM Enrichment Matters for Your Child
The start of a school year is always emotional. Backpacks filled with sharpened pencils, fresh sneakers pounding across the playground, and little hands waving goodbye at the classroom door. This year, it feels even more real for me; our oldest started kindergarten. I’ve already had my tearful moments watching her step into her classroom, hoping she’ll make friends, stay curious, and feel supported every single day.
I know I’m not alone. Every parent wants the best for their child. We want them to grow, to thrive, to discover who they are. And when the school day ends, we want to know the time they spend after class is as meaningful as the hours they spend in it.
That’s where STEAM (science, tech, engineering, arts, math) enrichment comes in.
Why STEAM, and Why Now?
Here’s what we know from research, and from what we see every single day in our programs:
Early STEAM opens doors. Kids who are exposed to science, technology, engineering, and math in elementary school are more likely to pursue advanced STEAM courses later on. The U.S. Department of Education notes that 80% of the fastest-growing careers rely on STEAM skills, and kids who start early are best positioned to succeed.
STEAM strengthens learning today. Studies from the National Science Foundation show that elementary students engaged in hands-on STEAM develop stronger problem-solving skills, persistence, and creativity—and they see higher performance in core subjects like math and reading.
It fuels engagement. Afterschool programs with a strong STEAM component have been shown by the Afterschool Alliance to boost attendance and motivation. Parents tell us that on “STEAM day,” their children can’t wait to get to school.
What Parents and Teachers Are Seeing
We hear it from families and educators all the time: our programs make a difference.
One mom told me, tears in her eyes after watching her daughter present her project at Demo Day:
“I couldn’t believe that was my child up there, speaking so confidently in front of everyone. We’ve never seen her shine like that.”
A teacher recently shared:
“The students in Journey to STEAM come back to class more willing to collaborate, to take risks, and to stick with tough problems. I can see their confidence growing week by week.”
Another parent laughed as she told us:
“Honestly, the best part is that my son is excited for school on the days he has Journey to STEAM. Those are his favorite days of the week.”
After the School Day Ends
As parents, we know the after-school hours can feel like a gap; too much downtime on screens, or a scramble to fill the space with meaningful activities. That’s why our programs are designed to be more than “aftercare.” They are spaces where children build, design, ask questions, and discover new passions in a safe, supportive environment.
When your child joins a Journey to STEAM program, you can be confident they’re cared for, challenged, encouraged, and celebrated. That’s what I wanted for my own kids. It’s why I started this work in the first place: to make sure every child in our community has access to high-quality STEAM education that inspires them to dream bigger.
This fall, our programs are running in schools throughout the community. We’d love for your family to be part of it. Click here to see our current program locations and learn more.
Here’s to new beginnings, proud parent tears, joyful discoveries, and a school year full of curiosity!
With Grace and Gratitude,
Dr. Arielle Hammond, EdD
