Flight Crew
Wyoming 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 Allie 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 Allie’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.
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.
Sign up to get news and updates delivered to your inbox.
By submitting this form, you are consenting to receive marketing emails from: . You can revoke your consent to receive emails at any time by using the SafeUnsubscribe® link, found at the bottom of every email. Emails are serviced by Constant Contact
Family of Funds
