Do you know a teen in your program who loves Science, Technology, Engineering, and Math (STEM) and is ready to grow as a leader? The 2027 STEM Next Flight Crew application is now open, and Wyoming needs its next youth STEM ambassador!
The Flight Crew is a national youth ambassador program for teens ages 13–18 who have participated in an afterschool or summer STEM program. Selected youth receive leadership development, public speaking and social media training, resume and interview coaching, and opportunities to connect with mentors and STEM career role models. They also use their voices to inspire peers and highlight the power of out-of-school STEM learning.
Wyoming has seen the impact of young people taking flight. Ally Spiess of Lander represented Wyoming on the 2024-5 Flight Crew. When she was recognized as Student of the Week in early 2025, her teacher Suzie Masek, recognized the influence of the Flight Crew: “Ally’s drive, determination, and perseverance have set her up for a successful Senior year and beyond. She is a student who knows what she wants out of her education and purposefully makes choices to reach those goals. Ally has also enriched her opportunities and education by representing Wyoming in the Million Girls Moonshot Flight Crew 2024. Through this program, she had the opportunity to go to San Diego to learn and grow with girls from across the country who were all chosen based on their work in STEM outside of their classrooms. Ally was specifically chosen because of her STEM experiences in her job at Lights ON where she works to break down stereotypes and spark young girls’ curiosity in STEM!”
Ellie Tomlinson of Douglas followed in Ally’s footsteps and represented Wyoming in 2025-6. Ellie discovered new possibilities for her future through STEM experiences, including a visit to the University of Wyoming through Campus Pass, and stepped into her role as a youth ambassador ready to help other young people see themselves in STEM. Ellie has continued to put youth voice into action, meeting with Wyoming leaders including State Superintendent of Public Education Megan Degenfelder and former University of Wyoming President Ed Seidel. As WYEN Director Michelle Sullivan shared, “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.” Now, we’re looking for the next Wyoming teen ready to do the same.
Application deadline: October 29, 2026 at 11:59 p.m. ET.
Know a young person who should apply? Share the opportunity with them and help the next Wyoming STEM leader take flight!
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