To prepare your child for the future, make sure they’re not just consuming digital media, but also are capable of creating, producing, and maintaining the very technology upon which the world relies. 

Consider supplementing your child’s coursework with an online program to help them understand technology and develop the skills they’ll need to compete.

If you’re considering doing so, or currently looking for a program that fits your child’s interests and aptitude (as well as your budget), you’re sure to find a good fit on this list.

CodeAcademy 

CodeAcademy does provide a comprehensive set of coding tutorials on a wide range of programming topics. As adults and children use the platform, it’s best recommended for high school students interested in web development, data science, or programming.

freeCodeCamp 

This nonprofit produces video tutorials on a variety of coding languages that are available completely free. Like CodeAcademy, this may be a good option for motivated older students to complement their coursework.

Khan Academy 

One of the pioneering online instruction platforms, Khan Academy offers tutorials in various STEM subjects, as well as standardized test prep, humanities, and financial literacy.

Raspberry Pi 

This UK-based organization offers children free coding classes and clubs, as well as personal computing kits that can help them understand computer assembly and functions. It also has a fairly robust online community, as well as competitions and meet-ups.

Snapology 

Snapology offers hands-on STEM education, using a range of educational toys from Legos to drones. They provide virtual instruction through online classes to complement a child’s existing academic curriculum, as well as in-person instruction when COVID-19 mitigation regulations permit.

STEM Skills 

This online platform, full of coding classes for children in grades 4 to 12, also offers courses in other STEM subjects, such as math and physics. Further, you can get a refresher here, as Stem Skills also provides classes for adults.

VentureLab 

A nonprofit focused on entrepreneurial education, VentureLab offers several programs that blend STEM topics with entrepreneurship. One program — a free curriculum — is specifically designed for girls in grades 1 through 12.

Wonder Workshop 

Wonder Workshop uses robots to teach kids problem-solving, coding — and, of course, robotics. You can purchase a robot and accessories, along with curricula and suggested activities from their website.

Participating in one of these programs may put your child on the path to a science, technology, engineering, or mathematics career. Even if they choose another field entirely, STEM education can broaden their perspective of what’s possible and prepare them for a bright future.