STEM Next Opportunity Fund

Do you know a young person, ages 13 to 18 who is passionate about STEM and has participated in out-of-school STEM programs? This is their opportunity to apply for the 2025 Flight Crew! The Flight Crew is a youth ambassador program of STEM Next that offers a chance to develop leadership skills, advocate for STEM, and connect with other inspiring young individuals who share a passion for science, technology, engineering, and mathematics — all while making a positive impact in their communities. Participants will also receive mentorship, career preparation, and the opportunity to engage in various STEM events. Applications close March 12, 2025. Apply now: https://bit.ly/430sCjS #FlightCrew #STEMNext

Calling all youth who have a passion for STEM: Applications for the 2025 Flight Crew are now open! If afterschool programs or other extracurricular activities have ignited your love for science, technology, engineering or math, and you want to inspire peers with your story — this is your chance to join an amazing group of youth ambassadors for STEM across the country to showcase that STEM is for everyone and happens everywhere. The Flight Crew is a nine-month program of STEM Next that helps youth amplify their voices on national platforms, develop their leadership skills, connect with inspiring STEM professionals and mentors, explore careers, and more. We encourage ALL youth ages 13-18 with experience in out-of-school-time STEM to apply. The deadline is March 12, 2025! Apply now: https://lnkd.in/gY5cnWDg #STEMNext #FlightCrew2025

Join us tomorrow at 11:30AM PST/ 2:30 EST for an engaging discussion led by our very own Flight Crew alum Gabriela featuring Aero-Thermal Engineer Silvia Karlsson of General Motors during the next session of EXPLR Media's Office Hours. The conversation will be all about aerodynamics—optimizing GM vehicles and working on Space Shuttle engines! Don't miss the chance to be part of this inspiring conversation. There's still time to register here: https://bit.ly/3CxVLIp..

As we celebrate Mentorship Month this January, we want to highlight the significant impact that peer mentors can have on young people's journeys in STEM. Near-peer mentorship—where older students support younger ones—is a key strategy we champion here at STEM Next. Research shows that this approach boosts confidence, develops leadership skills, and keeps youth engaged in STEM at various stages of their lives. Over the past year, we have witnessed this impact firsthand through our Flight Crew initiative. In the most recent class of the Flight Crew, we welcomed back alumni who served as mentors, guiding new members through their experience. Here's what we learned. https://bit.ly/4johm6F #MentoringMonth #FlightCrew

Today, we are proud to announce Camsie McAdams as the inaugural Director of the Institute for a STEM Ready America, the latest exciting step in STEM Next’s journey to build a STEM-ready generation through afterschool and summer learning. Camsie has more than 25 years of leadership experience in STEM education, including as Deputy Director for STEM in the Obama Administration as well as leading global STEM initiatives at Discovery Education. As Director of the Institute, Camsie will lead the Institute in its ambitious mission to transform STEM learning beyond the classroom and excite 20 million youth with STEM experiences by 2030. Young people spend 80% of their time outside the classroom, yet only 10% currently have access to high-quality STEM learning opportunities during these crucial hours. The Institute for a STEM Ready America will bridge this gap by uniting over 100,000 afterschool and summer programs with industry leaders, employers, and policymakers to strengthen the STEM ecosystem that supports preparing youth for the future of work. Please join us in welcoming Camsie McAdams to STEM Next and celebrating this exciting step forward to provide all youth with STEM opportunities that inspire curiosity, innovation, and the critical thinking skills for whatever comes next. https://bit.ly/4jhPTUf

Thank you for your unwavering support in 2024! As we look ahead to 2025, we’re excited to continue inspiring the next generation of innovators, leaders, and problem-solvers. Let’s keep building a future where every young person has the chance to thrive in STEM. Happy Holidays! 🎉

🌟 Join Us on December 17th, 1:30–3:00 PM ET As an anchor partner of the STEMM Opportunity Alliance (SOA), STEM Next invites you to an important webinar: Join AAAS and the STEMM Opportunity Alliance for an informational webinar featuring policy experts and community leaders discussing the future of STEMM education, research, workforce development, and innovation. Hosted by Patti Curtis, Senior STEM Advisor at STEM Next, this webinar will establish a shared understanding among SOA stakeholders about the challenges and opportunities shaping the STEMM economy in the years ahead. 🔗 Register now: https://bit.ly/4goKnxj #STEMNext #SOA #STEMMPolicy

During Computer Science Education Week, we celebrate our partnership with Verizon™, which supports the expansion of access to computer science education through STEM Learning Journeys opportunities. Resources such as the Next-Level Technology: Game Design and Design & Code Journeys empower educators to inspire students to explore coding and creative problem-solving while developing essential skills for future careers in computer science. We value partnerships that play a crucial role in creating opportunities that prepare all students to thrive in today's technology-driven world. 🔗 Learn more: https://bit.ly/3OOpP4Z #CSEdWeek #STEMNext #STEMEducation

By 2030, 80% of jobs will require STEM skills, yet 9 in 10 young people lack access to critical STEM learning opportunities outside of school. Your gift today helps us expand access to life-changing STEM opportunities in afterschool and summer programs nationwide. With your support, we can excite more youth, train more educators, and strengthen the out-of-school time programs that are vital for preparing the next generation for a STEM-driven world. Donate today and help us give the gift of STEM discovery. 🔗 https://lnkd.in/gxGjkdE3

Did You Know that 80% of learning happens outside the classroom? When out-of-school-time STEM experiences are thoughtfully integrated into a workforce development system, we can ignite a love for STEM, build critical skills, and prepare youth to lead in tomorrow’s most innovative fields. That’s why we’re excited to introduce the Institute for a STEM Ready America—a bold new initiative from STEM Next aimed at transforming OST STEM learning and reaching 20 million young people with exciting afterschool and summer STEM experiences. The virtual Institute features four Centers of Excellence focused on the highest-growth, highest-opportunity STEM areas: 🌐 Next-Level Technology 💉 Life and Health Sciences 🌍 Climate Action 🚀 Earth and Space Learning Together, we’re shaping a future where every young person can see themselves in STEM. https://lnkd.in/g2WknGJ2