Enriching Education for Multilingual Learners with YES Enrichment’s STEM Curriculum

Afterschool STEM enrichment designed initially for multilingual learners has benefits for all students.

Students test their designs from the Engineering Rescue Shuttles unit. Credit: YES Staff.

Multilingual learners (MLLs) are one of the fastest growing populations in elementary schools. Although their backgrounds, experiences, and ideas represent a wealth of perspectives that can contribute to learning in and out of class, MLLs remain underrepresented in STEM fields. These youth can also face barriers to both learning and participation, creating a ripple effect of consequences for students and society. Using high-quality STEM materials can close the learning and career gap by providing MLLs with opportunities to participate in class as well as develop vital skills and an interest in STEM fields. Engaging with engineering benefits both MLLs and non MLL students.

YES Enrichment, our latest suite of STEM curriculum for enrichment settings including before-, during-, and after school programming, was designed specifically with MLLs and out-of-school learning in mind. The rationale was informed by the knowledge that:

• MLL students are often pulled out of general education classes during