(StatePoint) Holiday gifting shouldn’t mean giving objects that sit in the corner and gather dust. Consider these gift ideas that will inspire growth, learning, creativity and confidence -- and which will actually get used:

(StatePoint) Afterschool programs give children and youth a safe place to connect and learn after the school day ends, and research shows that programs boost students’ academic achievement and help them engage with their communities. They help children succeed in school and in life by providing homework help, mentors, healthy snacks and meals, exposure to STEM (science, technology, engineering and math) and other skills, college and career prep, and more.

(StatePoint) Whether you’re still a student or long past your school years, making learning a hobby outside the classroom can keep you sharp, particularly if you pair activities that involve logic, analysis and facts with those that involve creativity, imagination and intuition. Here are some great tools to inspire you in your educational journey and balance your left brain and right brain:

(StatePoint) Ninety-five percent of parents with a child enrolled in an afterschool program are satisfied with that program, and there is overwhelming support for more government funding for afterschool, according to a new study. But unmet demand for these programs is high in all 50 states, and majorities of middle- and low-income families who want afterschool programs are being shut out.

(StatePoint) As a new school year gets underway, it’s time to zero in on the tech products that can help your students ease into their academic routines and succeed in the classroom. Here are some of the greatest products on store shelves today that can transform a student’s relationship to school subjects ranging from STEM and language arts to music and physical education:

(StatePoint) Are you looking for flexibility and independence in your career, without sacrificing your earning potential? If so, then these three career fields are worth looking into:

(StatePoint) Looking for a high-paying job in a growing profession? Here’s what to know about some of today’s top professions offering generous compensation and good job security:

(StatePoint) College rankings headlines are often dominated by the same names: Ivy Leagues, elite research universities and schools that admit only a fraction of applicants. But that leaves out most students, say experts.

(StatePoint) In today’s employment landscape, which is characterized by technological disruption, protecting your career against restructuring efforts and downsizing is essential. Here are three ways to become indispensable to your company:

(StatePoint) Financial missteps can have devastating consequences for individuals and families.

(StatePoint) As the back-to-school frenzy kicks in, it’s easy to get caught up in all that goes along with prepping for a new school year. But before the homework and afterschool activities take over, remember to save some time for soaking up the final days of warm weather.

(StatePoint) It’s back to school time and there is so much for families to do to get ready for the school year ahead, from getting school supplies to signing up for after school programs. Making sure kids have health care needs covered should be a part of those preparations.

(StatePoint) Buying a home might be the most significant financial decision you ever make. By understanding these eight key steps in the process, you can move forward with confidence, clarity and long-term success:

(StatePoint) Immunizations prepare young people’s immune systems to recognize and resist viruses that spread quickly. These are viruses that can lead to health issues like infertility, muscle paralysis, brain damage, blindness, deafness and cancer.

(StatePoint) From schoolwork and homework to friendships and extracurriculars to potentially dealing with difficult situations like bullying, there is a lot for kids to navigate during the school year.