The 2025 Flight Crew of STEM Next is ready for takeoff! We are proud to welcome these remarkable students from across the nation to our largest Flight Crew cohort to date. As members of our annual youth ambassador program, these 77 teens will represent their states throughout the year to share their stories on regional, state and national stages and inspire greater access to STEM opportunities in afterschool and summer programs.
Recognized by NASA, SXSW EDU, the National STEM Festival, and others, the Flight Crew has become a national model for how youth voices can help shape the future of STEM.
Since launching in 2022 with 16 members, the Flight Crew has grown into a flagship program of STEM Next with a national network of 111 alumni. The 2025 cohort includes 12 alumni who return to the program as mentors and advisors. This near-peer mentorship model strengthens confidence, builds leadership skills, and fosters long-term engagement in STEM.
As part of STEM Next’s mission to connect young people to career opportunities, Flight Crew members receive training in leadership development, public speaking, social media, resume-building, and interview preparation, plus connections to mentors and career role models who provide guidance as they pursue their STEM goals. In addition to building their own skills, they serve as ambassadors— sharing their stories to inspire their peers and draw more young people into STEM learning beyond the classroom.
“The Flight Crew proves what’s possible when young people are given the tools and a platform to lead,” said Ron Ottinger, Executive Director of STEM Next Opportunity Fund. “These youth are passionate, insightful, and ready to show the country how STEM experiences outside the classroom can change lives.”
The program’s continued growth is supported by national partners including Aramco, BAE Systems, General Motors, and Lockheed Martin.
Meet the 2025 Flight Crew
Alabama
Naomi
10th grade- Interested in health & medicine and robotics.
”STEM outside of school has impacted me by allowing me to become more curious. It has built my confidence by making me more comfortable to ask questions.”
Melanie
9th grade- Interested in social justice
“Being a part of the first Alabama MGM Flight Crew has exposed me to a world of endless possibilities. I didn’t realize how much STEM played a part in my everyday life.”
Charlee
11th grade- Interested in health & medicine
“Whether through NASA SEES or my county’s Aeronautics and Engineering Program, STEM learning beyond the classroom shaped my future. These experiences fueled my confidence, leading to leadership positions on two global STEM nonprofits, a statewide leadership position within the Technology Student Association, and opportunities for educational advocacy in front of my school board and as a national educational task force chair. They gave me the strength to push for change and shape our future”.
Alaska
Olivia
9th grade- Interested in engineering
“STEM learning outside school broadens my goals. It connects me with friends beyond textbooks, deadlines, and fixed resources. Many say, ‘I’m not good at math,’ but hands-on experiences change their perspective.”
Arizona
Shireen
9th grade - Interested in health & medicine
“STEM programs have transformed my life, fueling my curiosity. STEM is not just about discoveries, but it also enhances critical thinking skills. My experience conducting experiments has encouraged me to connect ideas when solving problems, and taught me concepts across many fields. Furthermore, it has inspired to give back by creating STEM kits with fun experiments for students at Title 1 Schools. STEM has allowed me to build resilience and has fostered a passion for continuous learning.”
Iraj
10th grade- Interested in coding and robotics
“Any problem—no matter how big or small—can be solved with STEM”
Arkansas
Hansa
12th grade- Interested in coding and engineering
Advice to another young person:
“Never give up and to persist even while faced with adversity. There will always be external influences discouraging you, and it will be challenging at times to keep going, but resilience is most important and having the grit to face challenges without giving up is what defines character.”
California
Helena
10th grade- Interested in social justice and critical disability studies
“When my parents saw that educators were lowering standards for me because of my learning disabilities, they began to raise expectations at home and support me to succeed. Together, we confronted deficit ideology inside of school and have made real changes. Former teachers have told me how they changed their negative dispositions and teach differently to be more accommodating. My work in this has changed my life because I am now a global change maker in the field of Disability Justice.”
Quinn
10th grade- Interested in coding and health & medicine
“I worked as a junior camp counselor for my 4-H Coding Extension, where I taught Python, C, and Javascript. I was still in middle school at the time, and nervous to teach something that felt so technical to kids barely younger than I was. But as I began to instruct kids, I realized it wasn’t that hard, and my passion for what I was teaching helped me gain a lot of confidence. Overall, this made me realize I wanted to help others realize their own passions in STEM!”
Leanne
11th grade- Interested in biology
“My advice would be to eliminate the idea of “failure” from your mindset. In STEM, failures do not exist, as every single discovery or lack of a result or mistake made is just another step FORWARD towards your goal, even if it may not seem so at first.”
Colorado
Domenica
10th grade- Interested in health & medicine
“Be kind to that brain of yours. Understand that beating heart, yearning for STEM, don’t question what part of it makes you happy. I wish someone would’ve told me this when I questioned myself for being passionate about biology and chemistry, when I wondered what chemicals make me feel happy, sad, lonely, hungry. I wish someone would’ve told me they’ve been there, that it is a beautiful thing.”
Elizabeth
12th grade- Interested in engineering
“STEM learning outside school has broadened my vision for a future in STEM. I’ve explored career paths, like construction, engineering, data science and more, while simultaneously developing a passion for creating inclusive STEM communities. By connecting STEM and its social implications because of my identity, I see how my pursuits of exploring STEM on a more personal level can nourish myself and others.”
Delaware
Avery
11th grade- Interested in app/game creation, coding and engineering
“FIRST Robotics, one of the most competitive STEM events of all time, has connected its skills to all other aspects of my life. MOE365 is my robotics team where I am a part of the mechanical fabrication team and an ambassador. It has connected to my passions because it’s directly related to my future career plans, and it has helped my hands-on and speaking capabilities, which are relevant in all aspects of my life.”
Erin
8th grade- Interested in filmmaking and health & medicine
“STEM learning outside of school has impacted my view of my future by expanding the list of careers I’m interested in. During my time at FAME, I got to hear about many different careers related to STEM. One that really stuck out to me was audiology. For a while I wanted to be an audiologist, but after watching ‘You Are What You Eat’ and many similar documentaries, I have been more interested in becoming a microbiologist or something related to nutrition because our guts impact everything.”
Prishu
10th grade- Interested in app/game creation and health and medicine
“STEM has shaped me into a better person by strengthening my connection to my community. Through the Delaware Youth Leadership Network, my friend Elisha and I founded STEM & Seniors, where we created and developed presentations at senior centers. This experience has helped me in school when I need to lead a project or in my other actives where I have a leadership role and need to guide others.”
Florida
April
11th grade- Interested in engineering and health & medicine
“Don’t think of STEM as something isolated. My biggest breakthroughs happened when I mixed disciplines, when I let my love for coding blend naturally with my fascination for neuroscience, art, or storytelling. If you want your STEM journey to feel meaningful, follow what genuinely intrigues you—even if those things don’t seem related at first.”
Enrique
10th grade- Interested in engineering and robotics
“STEM learning outside of school has shaped both my skills and vision for the future. Through my participation in VEX robotics, I have been able to develop problem-solving and team working skills that I applied to my day-to-day school work.”
Georgia
Serena
11th grade- Interested in health & medicine.
“Since 9th grade, Science Fair has connected me with like-minded students and STEM professionals outside of school, while also deepening my understanding of AP science courses at school. This experience has fueled my curiosity, ambition, and teamwork skills. Exploring diverse STEM fields, from molecular biology to engineering, reminds me how limitless science is. STEM offers endless learning and discovery, and programs like Science Fair have reinforced my passion for its boundless opportunities.”
Idaho
Lynlee
9th grade- Interested in engineering and health & medicine.
“STEM learning has impacted my life by helping me become more outgoing and confident in talking to others. Currently, I’m the Chief Science Officer for Idaho, and this experience has helped me grow tremendously. I attended a conference in Boise, which taught me many new things and opened my eyes to the various pathways I could take in STEM. This opportunity has played a major role in shaping my journey and building my confidence in the field.”
Elisa
9th grade- Interested in Health & medicine
“STEM learning outside of school has shaped my future. Through after-school competitions and summer experiences, I’ve learned STEM is not just for class but for solving real-world problems.”
Illinois
Tai
10th grade- Interested in engineering and health & medicine
“Don’t be afraid to go for things, and make sure to take advantage of opportunities that come your way. One thing that’s great about STEM is that it’s an ever-evolving field, with constant opportunities for somebody to be the change”.
Kandake
10th grade- Interested in health & medicine and social media content creation
“STEM has helped me grow my love for medicine and shape my future career goals. I am interested in how the human body works and how science can be used to help people. I attended a biology summer camp at Purdue University Northwest. This camp introduced me to labs, hands-on experiments, dissections, and using microscopes to look at cells. Working with others I learned teamwork and problem solving. This made me realize this is what I wanted to do with my life.”
Indiana
Kaitlyn
11th grade- Interested in coding and engineering
“Learning STEM outside of school has made me a problem-solver and has taught me the importance of creativity.”
Iowa
Avika
10th grade- Interested in engineering and coding
“STEM learning outside of school has shaped my skills, interests, and future aspirations. Through robotics teams and STEM camps, I’ve gained hands-on experience that extends beyond the classroom. As Head of Outreach for my FTC team, I’ve developed leadership and problem-solving skills while applying math and physics concepts to real-world challenges. These experiences have strengthened my passion for STEM and reinforced my desire to pursue it in the future. I love teaching and encouraging kids!”
Nikodimos
10th grade- Interested in engineering and robotics
“I am currently doing science Olympiad after school and I have won first in Material science and I have acquired a new sense of passion for the STEM fields. I have begun to feel like I can truly become an engineer or anything I set my mind to.”
Kansas
Neil
10th grade- Interested in coding and cybersecurity.
“STEM is a vast field, full of endless opportunities. It is like embarking on an adventure, trying different disciplines until something resonates. It demands curiosity and perseverance.”
Kentucky
Ibraheem
10th grade- Interested in coding and engineering
“A career in a STEM field has vast opportunities.”
Louisiana
Brianna
11th grade- Interested in engineering
“Learning STEM outside my school provided me with new ways to solve problems. I have learned how to work more effectively with my engineering group and mend issues with my cheer team.”
Maine
Kendall
11th grade- Interested in STEM advocacy and teaching
“Through robotics, I learned how much I loved leadership, outreach, and teaching/helping younger students, which led me to starting a local STEM club for 3rd-6th graders in my area. This club has shifted my perspective on my career, by having me consider education, a completely new idea to me.”
Maryland
Damilola
12th grade - Interested in accounting
“In the summer of my junior year, I attended the WiSci STEAM Camp in India, a 9-day program that brought together girls from five countries to solve real-world problems with tech. I worked with six peers on a project to help South Asian girls, learning the value of teamwork and being open to feedback. That experience helped me grow and feel more confident about connecting with others in STEM and beyond.”
Kiera
College Freshman- Interested in engineering and health & medicine
“My previous STEM experiences influence the approach I bring to my current endeavors. In high school, a G.E. Healthcare competition exposed me to the product lifecycle while creating an app for field engineers. This experience sparked my interest in biotechnology due to the interdisciplinary nature of medicine and engineering. As an engineering student, I’m applying the same product lifecycle I used years ago to help develop a user-friendly educational toy for kids in elementary school.”
John
11th grade- Interested in engineering and electronics
“Attending STEM summer camps inspired me to pursue an engineering degree. I have always enjoyed building structures with blocks and Legos. However, once I attended camps that broadened my horizons and taught me about other possible opportunities, such as building airplanes and rockets, I found my calling. These camps exposed me to topics not covered in school, I am thankful for the wonderful STEM experiences.”
Massachusetts
Tanish
8th grade- Interested in engineering and robotics
“STEM outside of school has taught me some important life lessons. In rocketry, you need to be open-minded and ready to look at things from different perspectives. It helps you become a better listener and more adaptable to ideas proposed by others. In robotics, there are many small details like hardware, wires, and code that can cause issues, and finding them quickly is essential. These skills have taught me to be open minded, listen to others, and prioritize essential things.”
Michaela
9th grade- Interested in health & medicine
“Attending Science Club for Girls (SCFG) is an amazing experience for me, as I get to give girls an exposure to the STEM world that they can pursue in the future. Mentoring younger kids, gives me the ability to greatly improve my speeches in school, and increases leadership qualities in the classrooms. Most importantly, mentoring young scientists gives me the ability to learn more about science and how creativity is so important in the STEM field which is the reason I can see myself pursuing STEM!”
Soleil
8th grade- Interested in Health & medicine
“STEM has been a vital part of my education: from ballet to singing to tennis to winning the Boston STEM Fair 3 years in a row! My recent project on misophonia (a condition in which sounds cause an atypical emotional response) was inspired by my family’s issues with noise pollution. This formal research project allowed me to help my family discover and develop potential treatments for this disorder. I learned that applying my STEM background can have a lasting impact in my home and beyond.”
Michigan
Caiyla
11th grade- Interested in engineering and health & medicine
“Outside of school STEM has shaped me into being more outspoken and collaborative. For example, in the summer of 2024 I participated in the SMASH program. Through this experience I have learned that it is okay to not know, and that learning is a process of continuous trial and error. STEM has opened the door to my interest in aviation and aerospace engineering. At school, I am currently studying aviation and plan on obtaining my private pilot certificate.”
Jackson
8th grade- Interested in engineering and robotics
“I discovered my passion for science and problem solving at my school’s STEM club. The teacher running it explained that it would be good for me to be involved in some other activities such as the chief science officer opportunity and more. From there I started running the STEM clubs. Then, last summer I went to a Michigan tech summer youth program and we spent a whole week designing prosthetics and solutions to problems. That was when I discovered my passion for helping people and designing.”
Kanishkar
11th grade- Interested in engineering and robotics
“Being part of my school’s robotics team inspired me to start building my own website to teach astronomy and astrophysics. It inspired me to start teaching others about STEM courses, and to spark a passion they will pursue. An important factor to consider is being there, and genuinely experiencing STEM yourself since watching may inspire but it will never motivate. In my future, I can see myself not only chasing my passion but also just spreading it to others, as the beauty of STEM may be hidden.”
Sahiba
10th grade
Interested in robotics
“Know that every path is forged uniquely – each step you take is a puzzle piece in your life. Think about what you’re truly passionate about – what problems do you find most pressing in your community? Take your mind and your heart, and go achieve the ‘impossible.’ If you can hope something happens, you can strive to make it happen!”
Minnesota
Gabriella
10th grade- Interested in coding, engineering and robotics
“STEM opportunities outside of school have allowed me to gain new knowledge, helping me in school and other activities. Learning STEM topics gave me a better understanding of science, math, and even speech concepts in school and on the speech team. Because of my growing AI and software knowledge, I have learned to connect this to speech. An example of this was during a discussion when we were discussing how AI affects workers. I brought up AI and bias which gave the group a new perspective on AI.”
Mississippi
Rhett
11th grade- Interested in engineering and robotics
“My experience with the SAME Engineering Camp showed me the way in which STEM careers affect and change lives all over Mississippi and the world. The SAME Camp showed me the connections I can make with other passionate peers, inspired me, and gave me hope for the future. The experience I gained at this camp with other students from all over the nation helped me grow as a leader and in my passion for STEM, and drive my desire to inspire that same passion at my school and in my community.”
Missouri
Madeline
11th grade- Interested in health & medicine.
“My afterschool activities have played a critical role in igniting my passion for science. STEM isn’t just a subject; it’s woven into everything I do. Founding the Bridges to Medicine club showed me the importance of mentorship and accessibility in STEM. Organizing hospital visits and connecting students with medical professionals reinforced my passion for medicine and leadership. I see STEM as more than a career path. It is the lens through which I understand and shape the world around me.”
Montana
Lauren
10th grade- Interested in engineering and aerospace
“Growing up I’ve wanted to be tons of different things “when I grow up” – artist, inventor, marine biologist, etc. – and everything sounded amazing in my head, but then after actually visiting a fish hatchery or Boeing Helena and by participating in programs like Montana Aerospace Scholars, I’ve gained a realistic view of what I hope to pursue. Through additional stem learning I’ve learned of new possible careers that I was never taught in school and have been able to plan for the future.”
Nebraska
Britney
12th grade- Interested in health & medicine
“In the Engineering Pathway program, I teach 3rd graders about various STEM fields, from civil engineers to environmental science. By introducing them to these diverse areas, I aim to spark their curiosity and help them see the possibilities within STEM. I focus on empowering them to think critically, solve problems, and believe in their abilities. Seeing them gain confidence and excitement for the future motivates me, knowing that I’m helping shape the next generation of leaders and innovators.”
Nevada
Melody
9th grade- Interested in health & medicine
“STEM afterschool learning has impacted my life tremendously for various reasons including helping me learn, gain experience, improve, and grow. One program that helped with this is the NV Flight crew, they helped me find a mentor and even got me into a nursing camp. This helps me with school and other activities because they taught me how to be confident when speaking and how to demand change, they also helped me learn how to strive for more in not only school and STEM but in my life as well.”
R’mani-Dajoure
10th grade- Interested in engineering
“STEM beyond the classroom has transformed how I see the world—every building, bridge, and aircraft is a mix of creativity and engineering. My trade school production program sharpened my technical skills, while Moonshot Flight Crew opened my eyes to innovation in technology.”
New Hampshire
Andrew
10th grade- Interested in cybersecurity, engineering and robotics
“STEM learning activities outside of school programs enrich my spare time. At a young age, I participated in STEM summer camps as a learner. Gradually, I led my robotics teams to be super competitive in state and world-level competitions. Now, I founded a team to teach young students via Museum Science/Engineering events, and free robotics summer camps. I also dedicated my summer time to coaching elementary students coding and robotic building in the University of New Hampshire EPIC summer camp.”
Alyssa
12th grade- Interested in coding, engineering and health & medicine
“I continue my research and lab experience mostly over school breaks, reinforcing my passion for scientific exploration. My goal is to protect and extend life through science by making treatments accessible and affordable for all. I want to contribute my experiences, from growing up in Mexico City to engaging with rural and urban vulnerable communities to research addressing real-world, complex challenges, and my afterschool opportunities, from internships to clubs, have allowed me to do so.”
New Jersey
Carolyn
12th grade- Interested in data science
“Each Friday, I volunteer at EngineerGirl—a STEM program for underserved girls. That first Friday, I saw 9-year-old me in their shining faces, eager to learn and grow. Yet as much as I’ve taught them, they’ve taught me so much more. Viewing STEM afresh from their eyes inspires my dedication to STEM and to ensuring it becomes a space for everyone.”
Stephen
- 11th grade
- Interested in coding, engineering and robotics
“I would tell young people to spend more time with other people who share an interest in STEM. Get involved in a diverse array of clubs. The peer leaders in these various clubs and their members can be a great source of inspiration and motivation. These like-minded people can turn into great friends and even future colleagues.”
New Mexico
Isabel
- 10th grade
- Interested in engineering and robotics
“STEM learning has impacted my life by nourishing and growing my curiosity and imagination for everything around me, as well developing skills of problem solving, critical thinking, and connections with other people interested in the same topics. For example, robotics has given me new methods for solving problems in general, and how to do it with other people.”
New York
Gabrielle
9th grade- Interested in health & medicine and mathematics
“STEM learning outside of school has deepened my passion for teaching and problem-solving. Through mentoring middle schoolers in STEM and working with preschoolers, I’ve strengthened my leadership and communication skills. These experiences have helped me in school by improving my ability to explain concepts clearly and work with others. Teaching at Saturday academies has also reinforced my interest in STEM education and innovation, inspiring me to pursue a future.”
Madhav
9th grade- Interested in health & medicine and machine learning
“STEM learning outside of school has shaped who I am and how I see my future. Through robotics, coding, and research competitions, I’ve gained problem-solving and leadership skills. Mentoring FLL teams as now being on the FRC team has reinforced my STEM knowledge while improving my communication. These experiences have shown me that STEM isn’t just about learning—it’s about creating solutions and inspiring others. I’m excited to keep building, innovating, and making an impact through STEM.”
Chyanne
12th grade- Interested in coding
“STEM outside of school has given me the tools to turn passion into action. Through the Karim Karbouch Coding Fellowship and First Tech Fund, I gained coding skills to develop a social media app promoting healthier eating, inspired by my family’s struggles with diabetes. This experience also gave me the confidence to start my school’s first Science Olympiad team, where I apply my skills and inspire others to pursue STEM, thinking of the science in everyday life.”
North Carolina
Juliet
9th grade- Interested in coding and engineering
“In STEM, the more you wonder how things work and why they happen, the more you’ll learn and gain. Curiosity is what drives innovation and helps you solve problems in new ways. Don’t look at things on the surface, try and look at things from all angles. View it from different perspectives, experiment with new ideas, and challenge yourself to think outside the box. You never know where your curiosity will lead you.”
Ora
11th grade- Interested in health & medicine
“STEM learning outside of school has helped me to find extracurriculars that align with my journey and intensify my creativity on personal projects.”
Ohio
TeLario
11th grade- Interested in farming and engineering
“STEM learning outside of school has impacted how I see my future by expanding my career possibilities. In my program, we went electrofishing, created prosthetics with a 3D printing machine and heard from STEM professionals. I have learned that there are so many career opportunities in STEM. The 3D printing machine was eye opening. I learned I could create almost anything with it. I plan on using it for ideas with my urban farm.”
Mahathi
10th grade- Interested in engineering and artificial intelligence
“The worldwide robotics program FIRST has hugely impacted my life and how I see my future. Since 4th grade, STEM learning as a part of FIRST helped me develop vital skills including research, presenting, and maintaining a growth mindset, all of which have translated into the things I do now, regardless of whether it’s for an English presentation, coding project, or a painting just for fun. It also influenced my interest in pursuing an Engineering major in college.”
Medhini
10th grade- Interested in chemical engineering
“STEM learning has greatly influenced both my perspective and future. Through programs like FIRST LEGO League and FIRST Tech Challenge, I developed skills in problem-solving and presentation that helped me succeed in other areas, like winning the Ohio FBLA State First Place Visual Design Award. These experiences showed me how to think creatively and communicate effectively.”
Oregon
Addie
8th grade- Interested in coding and engineering
“STEM learning outside of school has ignited a flame in me that I can’t stop chasing. It’s not just about formulas or experiments – it’s about seeing how STEM can shape my future and how I will be a part of it. It has impacted my life by showing me how wonderful science truly is.”
Anisha
10th grade- Interested in engineering
There has never been a better time to pursue STEM. There are many global challenges impacting humanity and they can be solved with the power of STEM, AI and Machine Learning.”
Ella
7th grade- Interested in 3D design, biology and graphic design.
“STEM learning outside of school has really shaped how I see my future. For example, I love designing stuff for my 3D printer, and it helped me better understand the design project we did in my shop class. Another thing I’ve done is learn a lot about plant and farm-life biology. My family raises chickens, ducks, rabbits, and has a huge garden where I live. I’ve always helped with processing the animals and tending to plants, and through that, I’ve learned so much about biology and how things grow.”
Pennsylvania
Amanda
11th grade- Interested in coding
“When my dad was diagnosed with a brain tumor, I felt his strength falter for the first time. Through Google searches on his tumor, I became fascinated by oncology and craved hands-on experience. That summer, I received the opportunity to volunteer at Dr. Zeng-jie Yang’s lab at Fox Chase Cancer Center. I saw many overlaps between skills I learned in the lab and lessons taught in my Biology and Chemistry classes. The lab motivated me to dive deeper into a field where I could make a huge impact.”
Sritej
11th grade- Interested in coding and health & medicine
“STEM learning outside school has shaped my neuroscience research. In 7th grade, with a computer and Pearson’s Digital Image Processing, I felt unstoppable. Through science fairs, I’ve researched Parkinson’s, won awards, and connected with mentors like Dr. Tsay and Dr. Niranjan. Presenting my work strengthened my communication, and I now help underrepresented students enter science fairs. This experience shaped my passion for accessible healthcare and a dream for my future telehealth startup.”
South Dakota
Kaia
11th grade- Interested in neuroscience and astronomy
“I always knew I wasn’t the only one interested in pursuing a career in science. Many of my peers shared the same passion, which made it even more surprising when I discovered that my public high school didn’t have a science club. I decided I would take charge and start my own science club that had activities that I knew would spark creativity for all of my STEM-loving peers. Creating a science club made me realize that if an opportunity doesn’t present itself, I would make my own opportunities.”
Tennessee
Akaansh
7th grade- Interested in app/game creation and robotics
“STEM learning outside of school has helped me become a better problem solver and leader. Competing in robotics taught me how to think critically and work as a team, which has helped me in math and science at school. My 4-H STEM projects, like the potato battery demonstration, made learning hands-on, showing me how science connects to real life. These experiences have made me more confident in STEM, and I hope to use what I’ve learned to solve big problems in the future!”
Texas
Rory
11th grade- Interested in coding and engineering
“STEM outside school has impacted how I see my future through showing me my potential career paths and what STEM subjects I love most. Being in NASA’s High School Aerospace Scholar program lets me speak with experts in aerospace about their background and work while learning about the field’s challenges. Additionally, my flight training has helped me unravel what I love about aerospace, like the intricate mechanics and aerodynamics that allow flight. STEM has given me the guidance I need to discover and pursue my dreams.”
James
9th grade- Interested in chemistry, biology and math
“STEM learning outside of school has impacted how I see myself in the future because it allows me to see my community and I as part of a diverse STEM workforce. Learning how to code and explore new math concepts outside of school have helped my creativity and imagination expand. Now I can envision an exciting future because our community and I were able to learn engaging STEM activities outside of school.”
Prahalad
10th grade- Interested in coding and engineering
“Being part of the Science Olympiad team after school has profoundly shaped my life. Through building scientific apparatus from scratch, hands-on experimentation, information collection, and research I have gained invaluable knowledge that has prepared me to be successful in advanced course work at school. Additionally, I have developed teamwork, communication, perseverance, and creative problem solving skills, all key to be successful in school, extracurriculars, and in my future STEM career.”
Utah
Brooklyn
11th grade- Interested in environmental activism
“In STEM, it is essential to have a love of learning. You will be learning new things every day, and if you go into it with a positive attitude and accept that it’s okay to be wrong sometimes, you can and will go far.”
Vermont
Scarlett
11th grade- From Burlington, Vermont
Interested in engineering and health & medicine
“STEM learning outside of school has allowed me to view myself as able to be successful in later life, and able to overcome obstacles using the skills of problem solving I have gained through STEM. I completed a medical course through a government program that taught me all of the skills and gave me the prerequisites to become an emergency first responder, which I have been able to apply to everyday life, knowing how to deescalate bad situations and potentially being able to save a person’s life.”
Virginia
Nik
9th grade- Interested in coding and engineering
“I think school teaches you about the principles of science but out-of-school STEM programs show you the applications and how that science is used. They also have the flexibility to be more up-to-date and advanced than what you learn in school. I didn’t love science at school but have found STEM to be fascinating and fun in these programs. A clear example was coding. In school, I thought coding was boring, but once I was doing it for robots, drones, and projects, I loved it.”
Michelle
11th grade- Interested in machine learning and health & medicine
“Beyond the classroom, my STEM experiences have shaped my passions and reinforced my mission to use technology for social impact. Founding STEM Explorers, a program introducing students to STEM careers, has been one of my most meaningful contributions. My research on AI-driven sentiment analysis, which predicts adolescent moods using Instagram notes, highlights my passion for healthcare, mental health, and emotional awareness. Moving forward, I aim to develop AI innovations that create impact.”
Washington
Caroline
9th grade- Interested in engineering and astrophysics
“My experiences at Space Camp expanded my horizons for what was possible. The multi-axis trainer pushed my limits, teaching me resilience and adaptability. Simulating space missions helped me better understand teamwork and problem-solving under pressure. Flight sims ignited my desire to learn how to fly and work toward my private pilot’s license. These experiences ignited my passion for space and science while also inspiring me to enroll in the full IB program in high school.”
West Virginia
Autumn
10th grade- Interested in coding and engineering
“STEM learning has shaped my life and future in many ways. My current plan is to go into a civil engineering career where I can use facets of STEAM in my daily life. I have always enjoyed STEAM, actively searching out new programs, clubs, or camps to join.”
Wisconsin
Aditi
11th grade- Interested in coding and research
“Stay open to experimentation and don’t fear failure; fail fast and fail often. In STEM, the path isn’t always linear, and setbacks can lead to valuable learning experiences. Seek out hands-on projects or internships that challenge you and allow you to apply what you’ve learned. Engage with diverse groups to broaden your perspective and spark new ideas. Focus on developing practical skills and critical thinking, as this will enhance your journey in STEM.”
Wyoming
Ellie
8th grade- Interested in app/game creation, filmmaking and animation
“When I visited the University of Wyoming during Campus Pass with the Boys & Girls Club, a whole new future opened up before me when I realized I can make a future career doing what I love in STEM. Before this opportunity I did not realize how much I could do in the STEM field.”
National Program Mentors
Kiana, Flight Crew ’23
Aika, Flight Crew ’23
Adonawit, Flight Crew ’24
Alyssa, Flight Crew ’24
Anna, Flight Crew ’23
Star, Flight Crew ’24
Frida, Flight Crew ’24
Lily, Flight Crew ’24
Lola, Flight Crew ’24
Mazzi, Flight Crew ’24
Miranda, Flight Crew ’24
Siana, Flight Crew ’24
