Wyoming Enrichment Network Program Associate Dr. Emily Vercoe and Flight Crew member Ellie Tomlinson joined leaders from across the country at STEM Next's Inspire Momentum event in June. Together, participants explored emerging trends, innovative strategies, and new opportunities to shape the future of STEM (science, technology, engineering, and science) learning beyond the school day in Orlando.
The convening served as a culminating event for Ellie’s year in the Flight Crew. The Boys & Girls Club of Douglas member connected with her cohort of young people from across the country as they had the opportunity to learn all about NASA’s work in Florida, including the vast variety of careers that make the agency run. She got an up-close view of the Saturn V launch vehicle that was developed for the Apollo program and even had the chance to meet Dr. Bernard A. Harris, Jr., a member of the U.S. Astronaut Hall of Fame! As a result of the experience, Ellie has expanded her interest in aeronautics and is exploring ways to integrate what she has learned into her passion for animation.
While the Flight Crew spent time building connections with their peers and STEM mentors, STEM Next grantees gathered to explore the powerful role out-of-school time programs play in helping young people connect curiosity with real-world opportunities, ways to support youth learning through harnessing AI, and expanding career awareness and opportunities to more youth. Emily highlighted exciting examples of Wyoming's work in career-connected learning during a presentation that showcased youth perspectives, dreams, and interests as strategies for engaging industry partners to create warm handoffs and pathways for the future workforce. We know that strong STEM experiences don't happen in isolation—they happen through collaboration and partnerships.
Is your program offering STEM learning opportunities? We'd love to hear what's working, where you're facing challenges, and how WYEN can support your efforts.
Read STEM Next's Inspire Momentum Recap!
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