Flight Crew
Douglas Student Selected for 2025 Flight Crew
Ellie Tomlinson, an 8th grade student and member of the Boys & Girls Club of Douglas, has been selected among 77 students across the nation to represent Wyoming in this year’s Flight Crew, a national youth ambassador program for teens in science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM).
The Flight Crew is a program of STEM Next Opportunity Fund, a national nonprofit working to expand high-quality STEM learning through afterschool and summer programs. It helps youth build leadership skills and raise awareness about the importance of STEM beyond the classroom by amplifying their voices in local communities and on state and national platforms.
When asked what drew her to STEM learning, Ellie shared: “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.”
Ellie will receive training in public speaking, social media and leadership development to support their growth as teen ambassadors who champion the power of afterschool STEM and inspire thousands of peers to explore STEM opportunities. The Flight Crew experience also includes resume and interview coaching, plus access to mentors and career role models who provide guidance and insight as they pursue their STEM goals. She follows in the footsteps of Ally Spiess, the Lander student who was a member of the 2024 Flight Crew.
“Learning happens everywhere, and high-quality STEM programs like at the Boys & Girls Club of Douglas are wonderful examples of how we can support young people to explore their interests. This opportunity will allow Ellie not only to meet role models but become one herself so that other Wyoming kids can begin to imagine themselves as scientists, engineers, and makers,” stated Wyoming Enrichment Network Director Michelle Sullivan. “We’re so proud of Ellie and know from Ally’s experience that we’ll all benefit from her participation in the Flight Crew.”
The Flight Crew program has grown significantly since its launch in 2022 with 16 members. Now a flagship initiative of STEM Next, the program’s 2025 cohort is the largest yet, with an additional 12 program alumni returning as mentors and advisors. This near-peer model strengthens confidence, leadership skills and long-term engagement in STEM.
The Flight Crew’s continued growth is made possible through the generous support of STEM Next’s partners including Aramco, BAE Systems, General Motors and Lockheed Martin. Recognized by NASA, SXSW EDU, the National STEM Festival and others, the program demonstrates the power of youth voice and the critical role of out-of-school experiences in opening pathways to future careers in STEM.
About STEM Next Opportunity Fund
STEM Next Opportunity Fund is a national nonprofit organization dedicated to making STEM learning more engaging, effective, and widely available to all youth across the nation through afterschool and summer programs. With more than a decade of experience and a network of afterschool leaders in every state, STEM Next has reached more than 12.5 million youth and supported more than 390,000 afterschool and summer program educators. Through its signature efforts—the Million Girls Moonshot and the Institute for a STEM Ready America—STEM Next is helping more young people build the curiosity, confidence, and skills they need for whatever comes next. Learn more at stemnext.org.
Lander Student Selected for 2024 Flight Crew
A student from Lander has been selected to represent Wyoming on the Million Girls Moonshot Flight Crew. Lander Valley High School junior and Lights On In Lander class helper, Ally is one of the 51 young people from 50 states who are part of the 2024 cohort.
The Flight Crew is a group of youth advocates promoting the value of STEM (science, technology, engineering, and math) learning for young people across the nation. The group embodies the mission of the Million Girls Moonshot to elevate afterschool STEM learning to build a better future for young people everywhere.
The Wyoming Afterschool Alliance is the state affiliate for the Million Girls Moonshot. Director Michelle Sullivan commented, “The Alliance is delighted to congratulate Ally and to have such a wonderful Wyoming representative on this year’s 2024 Flight Crew.” She added, “We look forward to learning from Ally as she engages with her peers across the country and grows her own knowledge and skills through the experience.”
The 2024 cohort will champion STEM in Out of School Time (OST) while honing their advocacy and leadership skills during eight months of virtual programming–including leadership development opportunities, public speaking experience, resume and interview coaching, access to scholarships and internships and mentor connections– using their experiences in afterschool and summer learning.
Ally recommends that young people participate in STEAM (science, technology, engineering, art, and math) programs where they’re available: “My advice would be to find a good STEAM community that promotes diversity and lets you explore the field you are interested in.”
Mission: We bridge the gap between Wyoming’s out-of-school programs and the communities they uplift, fueling them with resources, support and opportunities that inspire lifelong learning, growth and connection.
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