The project targets 90 STEM teachers in grades seven and eight, each of whom receive 80 hours of summer professional development and 40 hours of follow-up support in leading yearlong after-school robotics programs. More than 1,800 students are participating, with each having 20 to 80 hours of contact time during summer and after school. The project addresses the urgent need to enhance students' interest and performance in STEM courses, while fostering skills that are important prerequisites for IT careers. In the near term, project leaders are helping students in Massachusetts to meet statewide academic standards. Over the long term, the project will help to inspire and prepare a new generation of IT professionals.