How to Set Your After-school Craft Club Apart from Other Programs (+ Free Lesson Plan!)

Hand up if this is you… 

You’re dreaming of starting an after-school craft program at your local schools, but…

• You’re not sure how to make your club stand out.
• You’re thinking, “Schools already offer art classes.”
• Or perhaps you’re worried you’ll be left in the dust while soccer and ballet fill up faster than you can say "join my club!"

But here’s the truth:

You’re onto something big.

We’ve learned from firsthand experience that schools are actively searching for fresh, hands-on programs that go beyond traditional art classes and after-school sports. 

Plus, schools today are particularly impressed by programs that offer real enrichment and integrate STEAM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Art, and Math) elements, as these provide students with a balanced, skill-building experience outside the traditional classroom.

 What Does a STEAM Craft Look Like? 

A perfect example of a STEAM-based project is our Radical Marble Run lesson. This hands-on activity invites kids to design their own marble tracks, encouraging them to explore physics concepts like gravity, friction, and momentum in a fun, creative way.

Imagine setting up this project in a demo class: kids dive right in, testing different track designs and experimenting with materials to adjust speed and direction. The project becomes a blend of engineering, problem-solving, and creativity as they watch their marble creations come to life.

Click here to download this FREE lesson plan, then keep reading to find out more about how you can start teaching awesome STEAM-based classes to kids at local schools.

With an after-school STEAM crafting program, you can:

• Stand out by going beyond traditional art classes, combining creativity with real-world skills that schools are eager to promote.
• Fill the gap by offering hands-on activities that teach problem-solving, critical thinking, and imagination—skills that are in demand but often missing from regular art and sports clubs.
• Offer a unique balance of fun and foundational learning, making it an engaging option that appeals to both schools and parents.

Imagine an environment where kids can unwind after their busy school day, yet still learn through hands-on exploration, critical thinking, and pure creative fun. This is exactly what a STEAM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Art, Math) craft club can offer.

 Why Schools, Parents and Kids Are Excited About STEAM Craft Programs 

Schools and parents alike recognize that traditional art programs, while valuable, are limited in scope. They’re both on the lookout for enriching programs that prepare kids for the future by teaching skills essential in today’s tech-driven world—all while keeping kids engaged away from screens. 

For kids, a STEAM craft session isn’t just another after-school activity. It’s an adventure in creativity and exploration, allowing them to build, test, and refine their ideas in real-time. 

For Schools, STEAM-based Crafting Classes:

• Fill an Educational Gap: While traditional art classes focus on drawing and painting, a STEAM craft club combines creativity with science and engineering, allowing students to think critically and experiment.
• Encourage Creative Problem-Solving: Schools value programs that teach students how to approach challenges in innovative ways, helping them build practical skills they can use beyond the classroom.
• Boost Performance Across Subjects: Engaging students in STEAM activities equips them with skills that support academic growth in math, science, and reading. This enrichment helps students thrive in their regular classes, enhancing the school’s overall academic performance and supporting holistic student development.

For Parents, STEAM-based Crafting Classes:

• Build Future-Ready Skills: Parents recognize that critical thinking, problem-solving, and collaboration are essential in today’s world. A STEAM club nurtures these skills in a hands-on, enjoyable way.
• Offer a Screen-Free Creative Outlet: In a tech-saturated world, parents appreciate programs that pull kids away from screens and into activities that spark curiosity and creativity.
• Provide Meaningful After-School Enrichment: Many parents see STEAM clubs as a valuable addition to after-school routines, knowing their child is gaining enriching experiences that go beyond basic academics.

For Kids, STEAM-based Crafting Classes:

• Offer Instant, Tangible Results: Kids can see their ideas come to life as they design tracks and watch marbles race down. They’re learning science and engineering in a way that’s practical and immediate.
• Make Room for Innovation: Every marble run looks different, allowing kids to personalize their projects and test new ideas as they go.
• Are a Fun Alternative to Structured Activities: STEAM is perfect for kids who might not connect with traditional sports or art classes, and are eager for something different. In a STEAM craft club, they can explore and build in ways that engage their curiosity, without the structure of competitive sports or the limits of standard art. It's a place where they can thrive by learning, experimenting, and creating at their own pace—focusing on creativity over competition and blending the best of both worlds in a fresh, exciting way.

 How Juliana and Natalie Discovered Firsthand the Real Demand for STEAM Craft Clubs at Local Schools 

Juliana and Natalie are both prime examples of how impactful and achievable starting a STEAM craft club at schools can be:

Juliana’s Journey from Stay-at-Home Mom to Thriving Club Owner

After a decade as a violinist and stay-at-home mom, Juliana wanted something meaningful and educational for her son but needed a low-cost way to start. Despite her initial fears of not being a “teacher,” with the help of CCC she started holding STEAM-crafting classes at her son’s school. 

In less than a year, she expanded to three schools with almost 60 students weekly. 

“I have earned enough to build a small house in less than a year,” she says.

Click here to watch our interview with Juliana and get her top tips for launching a successful after-school craft club.

How One Flyer Helped Natalie Bring in an Extra $1,280 per Month

After sitting on her dream of launching a craft club for a year, with the help of CCC, she placed one flyer in the “Friday folders” sent home at her local elementary school, and by 5 p.m. that day, she had 10 kids signed up. 

“I had to stop at 16 kids, and there are another 25 on the waitlist,” she shares. 

Click here to watch our interview with Natalie to find out how her after-school classes BOOMED with just one flyer.

These success stories show that with the right curriculum and support, you can turn a simple idea into a thriving, scalable business.

 Why Now Is the Time to Take Action 

Without a STEAM-based craft program, schools may turn to other clubs that don’t offer the same screen-free, engaging learning experiences. Kids will continue missing out on opportunities to build critical “super skills” and prepare for future careers.

But when you launch a STEAM craft club, you’re creating an environment where children thrive, develop essential skills, and get prepared for a tech-driven future. 

Imagine kids eagerly exploring STEAM-based projects, learning to think creatively and critically while having a blast—and parents checking that “must-have” enrichment box.

 The Perfect Way to Introduce Your Program 

If you’re planning to pitch your STEAM craft club to a school, the Radical Marble Run is the perfect project for a demo class.

A project like the Radical Marble Run lets kids design their own marble tracks, experimenting with gravity, friction, and engineering principles in a way that’s entirely hands-on.

Schools, parents and kids can see right away how this project differs from standard classes and gives kids a unique, educational, and engaging experience.

And there’s more where that came from! With the CCC Curriculum, you’ll have access to over 300 STEAM-inspired projects that introduce kids to a world of science, art, and engineering.

These projects are designed to help kids discover new skills and perspectives—all while having a blast.

Ready to bring a creative, in-demand program to your local schools? Join our waitlist now because something exciting is coming this Black Friday that you won’t want to miss.

Get ready to inspire the next generation of creators and problem-solvers!

Photos credit: Shoutout to our amazing CCC members for the fantastic class photos! 📸 Thank you for capturing the fun!