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Elevating the Next Generation of STEM Leaders

The Flight Crew is a youth ambassador program of STEM Next featuring remarkable young leaders who represent their states, show what’s possible, and spark their peers’ curiosity in STEM. Through their voices and visibility, these teens help build a movement—showing how STEM learning beyond the classroom can change lives.

Sharing Their Stories

Motivated by their impactful STEM experiences beyond the classroom, Flight Crew members share their stories on regional, state and national stages; participate in mentorship opportunities; and lend their voices to push for more STEM opportunities outside of school.

Building Connections

Whether it’s sharing what they discovered in their afterschool science club or the excitement of internships and college applications — the connections built by shared experiences help open doors, foster excitement and spark curiosity for each young person participating in the Flight Crew experience.

Honing Their Skills

Flight Crew members receive training in public speaking, social media, and leadership development to grow as confident ambassadors for afterschool STEM. They also get resume and interview coaching, and connect with mentors and career role models who help them navigate their own STEM journeys.

Since its debut in 2022, the Flight Crew has been recognized by NASA, The National STEM Festival, SXSW EDU and more.

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"I was really scared to pursue STEM because I didn't feel like I was good enough. I wasn't confident in my work and I wasn't confident in myself, but through this experience I was able to grow and learn that anyone can get into STEM. It's a matter of believing in yourself, and that's been really helpful for me."

Emerald

Georgia

The Data Speaks for Itself

Confidence and Belonging

Surveys of alumni show the Flight Crew experience has clearly strengthened participants’ confidence and sense of belonging in STEM.

100%

Felt they gained a supportive community of peers

97%

Felt inspired to be changemakers in their communities

97%

Reported a stronger sense of belonging in STEM.

Meet the Flight Crew

Ellie

Wyoming ✦ 9th Grade

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Aditi

Wisconsin ✦ 12th Grade

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Caroline

Washington ✦ 10th Grade

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Michelle

Virginia ✦ 12th Grade

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Nik

Virginia ✦ 10th Grade

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Scarlett

Vermont ✦ 12th Grade

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Brooklyn

Utah ✦ 12th Grade

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Prahalad

Texas ✦ 11th Grade

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James

Texas ✦ 10th Grade

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Rory

Texas ✦ 12th Grade

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Akaansh

Tennessee ✦ 8th Grade

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Kaia

South Dakota ✦ 12th Grade

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Sritej

Pennsylvania ✦ 12th Grade

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Amanda

Pennsylvania ✦ 12th Grade

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Ella

Oregon ✦ 8th Grade

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Anisha

Oregon ✦ 11th Grade

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Addie

Oregon ✦ 9th Grade

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Medhini

Ohio ✦ 11th Grade

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Mahathi

Ohio ✦ 11th Grade

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TeLario

Ohio ✦ 11th Grade

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Ora Adjei

North Carolina ✦ 12th Grade

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Juliet

North Carolina ✦ 10th Grade

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Chyanne

New York ✦ College Freshman

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Madhav

New York ✦ 10th Grade

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Gabrielle

New York ✦ 10th Grade

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Isabel

New Mexico ✦ 11th Grade

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Stephen

New Jersey ✦ 12th Grade

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Carolyn

New Jersey ✦ College Freshman

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Alyssa

New Hampshire ✦ College Freshman

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Andrew

New Hampshire ✦ 11th Grade

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R’mani-Dajoure

Nevada ✦ 11th Grade

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Melody

Nevada ✦ 10th Grade

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Britney

Nebraska ✦ College Freshman

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Lauren

Montana ✦ 11th Grade

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Madeline

Missouri ✦ 12th Grade

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Rhett

Mississippi ✦ 12th Grade

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Gabriella

Minnesota ✦ 11th Grade

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Sahiba

Michigan ✦ 11th Grade

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Kanishkar

Michigan ✦ 12th Grade

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Jackson

Michigan ✦ 9th Grade

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Caiyla

Michigan ✦ 12th Grade

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Soleil

Massachusetts ✦ 9th Grade

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Michaela

Massachusetts ✦ 10th Grade

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Tanish

Massachusetts ✦ 9th Grade

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John

Maryland ✦ 12th Grade

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A girl of color smiling with white shirt

Kiera

Maryland ✦ College Freshman

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Damilola

Maryland ✦ College Freshman

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Kendall

Maine ✦ 12th Grade

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Brianna

Louisiana ✦ 12th Grade

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Ibraheem

Kentucky ✦ 11th Grade

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Neil

Kansas ✦ 11th Grade

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Nikodimos

Iowa ✦ 11th Grade

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Avika

Iowa ✦ 11th Grade

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Kaitlyn

Indiana ✦ 12th Grade

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Kandake

Illinois ✦ 11th Grade

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Tai

Illinois ✦ 11th Grade

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Elisa

Idaho ✦ 10th Grade

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Lynlee

Idaho ✦ 9th Grade

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Serena

Georgia ✦ 12th Grade

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Enrique

Florida ✦ 11th Grade

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April

Florida ✦ 12th Grade

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Erin

Delaware ✦ 9th Grade

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Avery

Delaware ✦ 12th Grade

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Elizabeth

Colorado ✦ College Freshman

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Domenica

Colorado ✦ 11th Grade

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Leanne

California ✦ 12th Grade

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Quinn

California ✦ 11th Grade

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Helena

California ✦ 11th Grade

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Hansa

Arkansas ✦ College Freshman

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Iraj

Arizona ✦ 11th Grade

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Shireen

Arizona ✦ 10th Grade

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Olivia

Alaska ✦ 10th Grade

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Charlee

Alabama ✦ 12th Grade

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Melanie

Alabama ✦ 10th Grade

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Naomi

Alabama ✦ 11th Grade

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Support the Flight Crew

Support the Flight Crew

From building satellites to curing diseases, these young leaders are dreaming big—and learning how to lead even bigger. Help keep this program free for the next generation.