NAN is looking for passionate, curious, and motivated youth from across Nevada who are ready to use their voice and make a difference. Strong applicants are excited to share:
- First-hand, impactful STEM experiences beyond the classroom (afterschool, summer, before school)
- Any work and/or desire to break down stereotypes, solve challenges in their community, and spark their peers’ curiosity in STEM
- Experiences in building STEM skills by working in teams, problem-solving, etc., and any ability to connect their STEM experiences to everyday life.
Preference will be given to youth participating in a 21st Century Program.
The NV Flight Crew is a highly visible youth ambassador program led by the Nevada Afterschool Network that elevates young voices in STEM from across Nevada, showing their peers that STEM is for everyone and happens everywhere.
All youth ages 12–16 are encouraged to apply!
Since launching in 2023, Flight Crew members have taken part in meaningful, real-world STEM opportunities, including:
🎤 Speaking at events like STEM Saturday with the Nevada National Security Site and NCWIT Educational Movie Saturdays
💻 Participating in Coding Nights with Code Central
🌌 Exploring stars, planets, and space through hands-on STEM experiences
🎉 Planning and hosting their own STEM experiential event, Reach for the Stars
🌱 Volunteering in their community
🤝 Connecting with mentors across STEM fields such as: engineers, nurses, biologists, doctors, environmental leaders, forensic specialists, crime scene investigators, and more!
🏕️ Receiving sponsorship to attend a STEM camp or workshop of their choice, such as UNLV Nursing Camp, Camp Cosmos, engineering camps, coding camps, etc.
What You’ll Gain as a 2027 Flight Crew Member
This isn’t just a program but a chance to use your voice, grow as a leader, and make an impact through STEM!
Over nine months, Flight Crew members become champions for Out-of-School-Time (OST) STEM where they will
🎤 Share their STEM story and build confidence in their voice
🤝 Connect with peers and learn from STEM mentors
🧠 Participate in hands-on, real-world STEM experiences
🌟 Grow as a leader in their school and community
Meet the 2026 Cohort
Senior Navigators
Our Senior Navigators are youth with more experience in STEM programming and leadership roles. These participants will be helping to lead the way this year, taking on advanced opportunities and projects, and serving as role models for others. Senior Navigators will be paired with a STEM industry mentor and will have the opportunity to participate in a STEM camp/workshop.
Junior Navigators
Our Junior Navigators are youth who have shown tremendous potential in STEM and leadership. These participants receive the same trainings, and when possible, join the Senior Navigators in local experiences and share opportunities for STEM camps. Select no-cost STEM camp experiences are available to participants. Junior Navigators will have the opportunity to apply for the Senior Navigator role the following year.
About the Program
The Nevada Flight Crew is a youth ambassador program that empowers students ages 12–16 to be bold leaders and champions for STEM in out-of-school time (OST). Members rise to the challenge by leading STEM activities, speaking at events, and representing youth voices beyond the classroom. They gain leadership, teamwork, advocacy, and public speaking skills, real- world STEM exposure, and connections with mentors and professionals. Together, they inspire peers, break down stereotypes, and spark curiosity in STEM across Nevada.
Take this 6-question survey & let us know how you’d like to partner! Opportunities can range from but are not limited to:
- STEM 1-on-1 Mentorship
- Virtual/In-Person Presentations
- Hosting STEM Experience(s) (e.g. STEM facility tour, workshop, etc.)
- Sponsorships and more
Past Flight Crew Cohorts
Since its launch in 2023, originally as the Nevada Moonshot Flight Crew and now the Nevada Flight Crew, multiple youth cohorts have been empowered through hands-on STEM experiences, mentorship, and leadership opportunities. Each cohort has made a lasting impact, exploring all areas of STEM while inspiring their communities and paving the way for future innovators. Many past members continue their involvement as Flight Crew Alumni, serving as peer mentors and youth advocates.
See pictures of previous Flight Crew Members and their experiences below!
Reach for the Stars Advocacy Events
Reach for the Stars is the Nevada Flight Crew’s end-of-program celebration, where youth showcase their achievements, advocacy, and voices to the community, partners, and funders, highlighting the power of investing in the next generation of STEM leaders. Read about each event below!
The Nevada Flight Crew hosted the 2025 Reach for the Stars event at the Atomic Museum in Las Vegas.
The Nevada Moonshot Flight Crew hosted the 2024 Reach for the Stars: NV Flight Crew CSI Edition at The Mob Museum.
The Nevada Moonshot Flight Crew hosted the inaugural Reach for the Stars event at the Illuminarium Las Vegas.