Elementary students
Weekly after-school labs that strengthen critical thinking, problem-solving, creativity, and interest in future STEM learning.
Howard County, Maryland
STEM Forward is a CAPA-HC initiative that brings free after-school STEM learning to 4th- and 5th-grade students in underserved Howard County elementary schools. High school tutors design the lessons. Curiosity does the rest.
What we do
Through coding, robotics, engineering, earth science, and other project-based activities, students build creativity, collaboration, and essential problem-solving skills. The program grows out of TechGirls, CAPA-HC’s after-school STEM workshops for elementary students, and expands that model across more schools and grade bands.
Elementary student registration will open soon. Tutor applications are open now.
Who it serves
Weekly after-school labs that strengthen critical thinking, problem-solving, creativity, and interest in future STEM learning.
Mentorship and support for science fair research, prototyping, workspace, and project development.
Paid or service-hour roles teaching weekly lessons, mentoring younger students, and building leadership skills.
Curriculum support, tutor training, and hands-on coaching that connects every stage of the pipeline.
“Parents were amazed not only by the stellar program but also by the relationships their children built with mentors. This program will pay dividends for years to come.”
Parent, TechGirls graduation
Built on TechGirls
TechGirls launched in the 2021–22 school year. STEM Forward keeps that tutor-led workshop model and, in Fall 2026, runs ten after-school sites: Bryant Woods, Running Brook, Centennial Lane, St. John’s Lane, Thunder Hill, Talbott Springs, Northfield, Veterans, Longfellow, and Bellows Spring.