Nearly every headline about education reminds us of the urgent need to strengthen our schools.

Excellent educators, high-quality materials and well-resourced classrooms are essential.

However, progress is remarkably slow.

In the meantime, I am deeply grateful for the persistence and brilliance of our school leaders and staff who show up every day for students.

Some solutions extend beyond the school day. Students who engage in out-of-school experiences aligned with science, technology, engineering and math (STEM) are more likely to meet college readiness benchmarks and envision themselves in careers where women and students from Black, Indigenous and Hispanic communities are underrepresented.

Hands-on, identity-shaping STEM experiences boost confidence, competence and college readines

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