The Nevada Afterschool Network (NAN) is an initiative under the Nevada Institute for Children’s Research and Policy (NICRP) at the UNLV School of Public Health. NAN supports out-of-school-time (OST) programs to provide access to safe and quality opportunities for all school-age youth. NAN is committed to providing a structural network through the development of cooperative partnerships resulting in quality out-of-school time programs. This includes ensuring quality technical support, professional development, sustainable funding, and advocacy to promote strong policy for out-of- school-time  programs at the local, county, regional, and state levels. More information is available at www.nevadaafterschool.org.

NAN recently launched the second cohort of the Nevada-based Moonshot Flight Crew – a youth ambassador program that is advancing equity for girls in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM). The Nevada Flight Crew is a STEM leadership and advocacy program launched with five youth from across the state in its 2023 inaugural year. This year’s cohort includes six middle and high school students from Clark and Churchill counties. Nevada’s Moonshot Flight Crew program provides a year of impactful STEM experiences beyond the classroom and gives members training in public speaking, advocacy, leadership, includes opportunities to participate in STEM activities and engage with STEM mentors, and provides scholarships to each Flight Crew member.

NAN is also excited to announce that Siana Akeripa, a member of the 2023 Nevada Moonshot Flight Crew cohort, has just been selected to represent Nevada as part of the National Flight Crew run by the STEM Next Opportunity Fund. Motivated by their impactful STEM experiences beyond the classroom, Akeripa and the 50 other National Flight Crew members will elevate youth voices to break down stereotypes and spark their peers' curiosity in STEM. These young leaders embody the Moonshot mission to engage millions more girls in STEM learning opportunities and inspire more youth to pursue a STEM career. 

Anyone interested in providing STEM experiences, leading a STEM activity, hosting a facility tour, being a guest speaker at a Nevada Moonshot Flight Crew training, or being added to a list of STEM Mentors for Nevada Flight Crew members should complete the STEM Partnership Survey or contact Kendra Gipson at nan@unlv.edu.