Student Opportunities

The STEM Next Opportunity Fund is launching the application process for its fourth Flight Crew cohort. The Flight Crew aims to uplift young voices in STEM from across the nation to inspire their peers and demonstrate that STEM is for everyone and takes place everywhere.

The Flight Crew is a highly visible youth ambassador program of STEM Next, elevating youth from every state who can speak about the power of STEM learning outside of school. ALL youth ages 13-18 are encouraged to apply! The selected 2025 Flight Crew will enroll in 9 months of virtual programming providing communications and advocacy support, mentorship, access to role models and an elite alumni network.

Youth will discuss:

· Their first-hand and meaningful STEM experiences occurring outside the classroom

· The challenges they have faced and overcome, their desire to address community issues, and how they inspire their peers' interest in STEM.

· Their experiences in building STEM skills through teamwork and problem-solving.

· Their ability to connect STEM experiences to real-life situations and STEM careers.

Selected Flight Crew members will exemplify a STEM mindset, be committed to enhancing afterschool STEM learning to create a brighter future for youth everywhere, and serve as youth ambassadors for OST STEM and STEM career pathways. Applicants must be actively engaged in an out-of-school STEM program, like afterschool programs, programs on the weekends, or virtual experiences that meet more than once a year.

Applications will be accepted until March 12, 2025.

For Teens, By Teens

Teen Science Cafés are a great way for students to explore science and technology in a fun and informal setting. Led by their peers, these cafés bring together teens to learn, discuss, and experiment.

Why Attend?

• Learn from Experts: Hear from scientists about their work and research.
• Engage in Hands-On Activities: Participate in interactive experiments and projects.
• Ask Questions: Get answers to your science-related curiosities.
• Meet New Friends: Connect with other teens who share your passion for science.

Program Details:

• Dates: One Friday a month, from 6:00 PM to 7:30 PM.
• Ages: 13-18.
• Cost: Free.
• Location: Sturgeon City Learning Center
• Capacity: Limited to 30 participants.

For more information and registration visit the Sturgeon City Website

https://sturgeoncity.org/teen-science-cafe/

Each year the North Carolina Division of Air Quality invites 7th grade students to participate in the AQ-IQ Contest which combines S.T.E.A.M. education and project-based learning with student creativity to teach air pollution science to students across the state. The contest gives these students an opportunity to learn about air quality and think about solutions to air pollution and put THEM in charge of creating a project to educate others about an air quality problem.

The AQ-IQ contest allows students to explore their interests and strengths while engaging with the material and learning about air quality. Students are asked to think creatively while designing their projects. Past projects have been posters, videos, Minecraft creations, games, and artistic projects off all sorts!

Winners will be recognized at a REGIONAL and STATEWIDE level and will receive AWESOME prizes!

For details about how to enter, deadlines, general information and past project examples, please visit the NC Environmental Education webpage.