The Kentucky Out-of-School Alliance (KYOSA) is taking steps to improve the quality of the future workforce in Kentucky for STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering and Math) and computer science careers by offering the online learning platform Learning Blade® to afterschool and summer enrichment programs across Kentucky free of charge.
A grant through STEM Next Opportunity Fund’s Million Girls Moonshot initiative makes this possible. The Learning Blade resource supports the goals of this initiative which is working to engage one million more girls in STEM learning opportunities through afterschool and summer programs over the next five years.
Studies have shown that many students do not enter these careers because they can’t picture themselves in those jobs. Learning Blade has been proven to develop students’ interest in high-demand jobs by increasing awareness of the careers and relating the academics to helping solve social issues that young students care about.
Through the partnership with Learning Blade, KYOSA is bolstering its mission of supporting the continued growth, development, and accessibility of quality out-of-school programs in Kentucky to promote the success of children and youth. They do this by identifying program needs and providing trainings, resources, and tools to meet those needs. Their goal is to prepare students equally for success not only in school, but in work and life.
Tom Haggard
“Adding Learning Blade STEM resources for our out-of-school network programs and partners will help children and youth across the Commonwealth be exposed to various STEM careers sooner and inspire them to engage in those careers later in life. We appreciate the support of the Million Girls Moonshot to make this a reality in Kentucky,” said Tom Haggard, Director of KYOSA.
Out-of-school time educators in the KYOSA network can sign up for their account at www.LearningBlade.com/KYOSA.
Nationally, students have completed over five million online lessons in the Learning Blade platform in addition to thousands of lesson plans that have been downloaded by teachers. In Kentucky, Learning Blade has been working with schools in the Berea area for several years with great success.
Sheila Boyington, CEO of Learning Blade said, “Supporting underserved students through out-of-school time to further the goals of the Million Girls Moonshot efforts will only help to prepare students, especially girls, to follow these high-demand career paths.”
