This project was a dissertation of practice designed as a needs assessment of a specific program. Specifically, the project identified the needs of an After School Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM) program in a Southern California School District (SCSD). The purpose was to provide recommendations to address the needs of after school programs to create a high quality after school STEM program, specifically for SCSD. This project was collaborative and carried out by an inquiry team of two doctoral students. Posed by the after school administrator, the areas of needs include evidence and research-based instructional practices, staff knowledge, staff motivation, curriculum, and organizational structures and facilities. The team examined the needs through a triangulation of data from surveys, interviews, documents, and literature review. After analyzing the data, the perceived needs were identified and recommendations were made. The recommendations listed in this needs assessment provides useful guidance in the development of a high quality after school STEM program. [The dissertation citations contained here are published with the permission of ProQuest LLC. Further reproduction is prohibited without permission. Copies of dissertations may be obtained by Telephone (800) 1-800-521-0600. Web page: http://www.proquest.com.bibliotheek.ehb.be/en-US/products/dissertations/individuals.shtml.]