Join the Mission: Million Girls Moonshot Opens Nationwide Call for its 2023 Flight Crew

Youth ambassador program gives young leaders a platform to promote the value of STEM learning across the country

SAN DIEGO--(BUSINESS WIRE)--In celebration of International Day of the Girl Child and World Space Week, STEM Next Opportunity Fund’s Million Girls Moonshot opened recruitment for its second cohort of the Flight Crew. As youth advocates, the Flight Crew supports the mission of the Million Girls Moonshot to engage one million more girls in afterschool and summer STEM learning opportunities by 2025.

This year, the Flight Crew is expanding its reach and aims to select a youth ambassador from each of the 50 states. The Moonshot is looking for girls, ages 13-18, who have experience with afterschool and summer science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM) programs.

“After seeing so much success in year one, we are excited to bring this impactful program to even more inspiring youth this year,” said Teresa Drew, deputy director of STEM Next and director of the Million Girls Moonshot. “As we expand the reach of the Million Girls Moonshot, our Flight Crew serve as champions of who belongs in STEM and bring an invaluable youth perspective to the conversation.”

In 2021, the Moonshot launched the Flight Crew to amplify youth voices in STEM conversations and help the next generation develop their leadership skills. Leaning into the power of near-peer role models, the Flight Crew is working to shift the narrative around who can make, build or engineer for a better future.

As a Flight Crew member, selected youth have the opportunity to hone their 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.

“As a Flight Crew member, I have had the opportunity to meet and network with girls from across the country who are interested in STEM, just like me,” said Reeti, a 9th grade student from New Jersey and 2022 Flight Crew member. “We have learned how to become better STEM advocates and champions, so we can encourage all youth, no matter what their background is or where they live to pursue their STEM dreams.”

Recently, STEM Next’s Million Girls Moonshot Flight Crew program was recognized by the White House in the fact sheet announcing Vice President Harris’ commitment to “Inspire, Prepare, and Employ the Space Workforce.” The Flight Crew is a clear demonstration of STEM Next’s dedication to encourage more girls to pursue STEM careers, especially in space.

The Moonshot will continue to work closely with the Afterschool Alliance, one of many national implementation partners, to support the Flight Crew.

Applications for 2023 Flight Crew are due November 11, 2022. All interested youth can learn more and apply here.

About STEM Next Opportunity Fund
STEM Next Opportunity Fund is playing a critical role in bringing in- and out-of-school STEM learning opportunities to millions of children and closing the gender gap in STEM careers. In September 2020, STEM Next launched The Million Girls Moonshot, which seeks to re-imagine who can engineer, who can build, who can make. It will inspire and prepare the next generation of innovators by engaging one million more girls in STEM learning opportunities through afterschool and summer programs by 2025. It is joined by over 50 partners that have quickly turned Moonshot into a powerful movement for STEM equity. Learn more about the Million Girls Moonshot at milliongirlsmoonshot.org and connect on Twitter and Instagram.