Intensive STEM programs for teens are doing powerful work, but too often it occurs in isolation. Foundations and Bridges is designed to change that by connecting program providers, researchers, and evaluators in a shared effort to learn from one another, align practices, and build stronger evidence together.

This IMLS-funded project focuses on out-of-school programs that engage high school youth over extended periods and aim to broaden participation in STEM.

Why This Matters

No single program can answer the big questions alone. By working across institutions, we can:

• identify what works—and for whom
• strengthen evaluation and data practices
• make findings more meaningful and actionable
• build a more equitable and effective STEM ecosystem

This project is not just about gathering information—it’s about building a field together. The strength of this work depends on both what you gain and what you contribute.

What’s Here for You?

Whether you’re designing programs, studying impact, or evaluating outcomes, this project offers:

• Shared insights on program models, evaluation approaches, and outcomes
• Emerging tools and frameworks to support your work
• Opportunities to connect with peers across institutions

Access to collective learning that no single program could generate alone

Get Your Questions Answered

Looking for guidance, examples, or connections?

• Explore findings from our national landscape scan
• Access curated resources and promising practices
• Submit questions to the project team or community
• Learn how others are approaching similar challenges

Ways to Engage

This is a participatory effort—your voice and experience matter. You can:

• Share your program data, tools, or approaches
• Participate in surveys, interviews, or working groups
• Join collaborative discussions and learning sessions
• Help shape future research priorities and shared metrics

Stronger together: By contributing what you know and learning from others, you help build a more connected, effective, and equitable landscape for intensive teen STEM programming.