A new study shows significantly more Ohio students are receiving STEM education through afterschool programs than a decade ago.

The Afterschool Alliance says 90 percent of Ohio parents with a child enrolled in an afterschool program report that the program offers opportunities involving science, technology, engineering or math.

That is up from 65 percent in 2014.

The report estimates 123,280 Ohio students are currently receiving STEM education through afterschool programs.

The findings are part of the America After 3PM 2025 study, which surveyed more than 30,000 parents nationwide, including 920 in Ohio.

The study found that 78 percent of Ohio parents believe afterschool programs help children develop STEM interests and skills.

However, access remains a challenge.

The report says 86 percent of Ohio children whose parents want an afterschool program for them are not currently enrolled.

The frequency of STEM education also varies. Forty six percent of Ohio parents with children in afterschool programs say their child participates in STEM activities at least two or three times per week, compared with 54 percent nationally.

Math is the most commonly offered STEM subject in Ohio afterschool programs, with 88 percent of parents reporting access. Technology activities were reported by 63 percent.

The Afterschool Alliance says the findings show progress in expanding STEM education while highlighting a continued need to improve access to afterschool programs