About Us

About the California Afterschool Network (CAN)

Mission

The Mission of the California Afterschool Network is to provide out-of-school time practitioners, advocates, and community members with the resources and tools necessary to build high quality out-of-school time programs in California.

Vision

The Vision of the California Afterschool Network is that California boasts an abundance of high-quality out-of-school time opportunities that enable youth to maximize their potential.

Visit the California Afterschool Network Website

Why STEM?

“In a world ever more driven by technology, the state's ability to interest and educate students in fields related to math and science is becoming crucial. As a result, "STEM"—which stands for science, technology, engineering, and mathematics—is an increasingly important acronym. From the White House to Sacramento, and from the boardroom to the classroom, "STEM" is on everyone's lips.” –-EdSource, 2011--

What is the STEM in OST Initiative?

The California Afterschool Network (CAN), with support and partnership from the S.D. Bechtel Jr. Foundation, the Noyce Foundation, and the Samueli Foundation seek to increase opportunities for high-quality STEM learning for youth in California’s Out-of-School Time (OST) programs that are:

• Student Centered 
• Inquiry and Project-based
• Complimentary to academic curriculum
• Engaging 
• Integrating Diverse Subject Matter
• Equitable and accessible for all students