Flight Crew soars with support from Aramco
The Flight Crew cohort class is selected through a rigorous application process. The aim is to support 20 million more youth with STEM learning opportunities by 2030.
Aramco joins with other leading companies to continue its support for STEM Next Opportunity Fund’s Flight Crew to promote the value of out-of-school STEM learning with a grant for the 2025 cohort of national youth STEM ambassadors.
The Flight Crew, made up of remarkable youth leaders ages 13-18, share stories about their STEM experiences beyond the classroom and how it has impacted them. Since its debut in 2022 which began with 16 young women, Flight Crew participants have engaged with millions of young people across the country to inspire and motivate them to pursue STEM careers.
In 2024 Aramco’s support helped to scale the program nationally by more than doubling the cohort class with all 50 states represented for the first time.
The Flight Crew cohort class is selected through a rigorous application process. The aim is to support 20 million more youth with STEM learning opportunities by 2030.
The success of the program has brought about big changes with the cohort Flight Crew for 2025 now part of STEM Next’s flagship Institute for a STEM Ready America. Applications were open to all youth, both young women and men. Hundreds of applications were received.
Organizers report this year’s Flight Crew consists of 77 youth selected through a rigorous application process, representing a 50 percent growth with a Flight Crew of STEM ambassadors reaching nearly 200 total participants since the program began.
Students selected show a passion for STEM and are connected to out-of-school learning programs. They receive more than 50 hours of leadership and STEM training through Flight Crew activities.
“STEM outside school has impacted how I see my future through showing me my potential career paths and what STEM subjects I love most,” said Texas Flight Crew member Rory, an 11th grader from San Antonio.
The aim is to inspire and support 20 million more you with STEM learning opportunities by 2030.
“STEM Next is proud to welcome these remarkable young leaders to the 2025 Flight Crew. This experience not only will help them hone their leadership skills but will amplify the message to young people nationwide that STEM is everywhere and truly for everyone,” said Ron Ottinger, executive director of STEM Next.”
The Flight Crew cohort class is selected through a rigorous application process. The aim is to support 20 million more youth with STEM learning opportunities by 2030.
Aramco’s support for the program has offered not only financial support to grow the program but also engaged by providing keynote speakers for conferences and advocacy programs.
“Our involvement with STEM Next Opportunity Fund aligns nicely with our commitment to STEM education and the desire to contribute toward creating an impactful workforce for the future,” said Judy Sultan, supervisor for Aramco Americas Citizenship program.
High-quality STEM learning opportunities are proving to be powerful. Research shows that afterschool STEM learning opportunities can increase a student’s career interest up to 80 percent.
The program has been applauded nationwide by state leaders, the White House, NASA, The National STEM Festival, and others. It is part of STEM Next’s agile response to the need for a skilled workforce educated in STEM fields.
As a global energy company looking for innovative thinkers with the necessary STEM skills, that is an investment in the future.
