STEM movements often miss one thing — the voices of today’s students.

If we want to create successful and lasting pathways, for all young people, into fields like science, technology, engineering and math, then our voices — and those of the millions of other young women like us— must be heard.

As high school students, we were born at the same time as the iPhone and after the launch of social media and YouTube. We are growing up in a world completely different from that of our parents, teachers and leaders.

As a result, our generation’s relationship with technology and STEM education is distinct. The way we access information and interact with each other is new. We see problems and solutions differently from the adults around us.

Our generation is set to inherit a complicated world with challenges we did not create; now is the time to start listening to us. And we have a few ideas about how to build a better, more inclusive future for women in STEM.

Number one: More after-school and summer STEM programs.

We envision a future in which every young girl can imagine themselves as a future engineer, coder or inventor. So many of us find our spark in STEM during programs that happen outside of school, whether it’s an after-school robotics program or a summer course with Girls Who Code.

Girls everywhere need access to STEM learning beyond the classroom that gives them the freedom to be curious and explore and gain confidence in STEM.

Number two: Youth ambassador opportunities that develop leadership and advocacy skills.

Unfortunately, many girls don’t stay engaged with an after-school program or STEM club because they are the only girl.

We answered a national call to join the inaugural Million Girls Moonshot Flight Crew. The Flight Crew is a youth ambassador program that gives middle and high school girls a community to experience mentorship and learn about communication, advocacy, outreach and perseverance.

Read the full article about girls in STEM programs by Emerald Yankey and Henrietta Rasmusson at The Hechinger Report.