My name is Bethany Nells, and I am a proud 11-year-old Diné student attending Indian Wells Elementary School on the Navajo Nation. I'm honored to serve as the secretary of my school’s student council, where I’ve learned how to be responsible, organized, and a voice for my classmates. I'm an honor roll student, I stay active in athletics, and I enjoy participating in extracurricular activities that challenge me to grow both academically and personally. Recently, I was nominated by 5th-grade teacher, Mr. Goza, to attend the National Youth Leadership Forum (NYLF): Pathways to STEM, an Envision by WorldStrides program, in summer 2026 at the University of California, Berkeley. I was personally selected to represent my school—an opportunity given to students who demonstrate exceptional maturity, strong academic achievement, and leadership potential at a young age.

NYLF Pathways to STEM is a unique and exciting program designed to help students like me discover our strengths and begin building skills for future success. During this five-day experience, I will join other motivated students from across the region in hands-on workshops focused on communication, collaboration, critical thinking, emotional awareness, and goal setting. I will also explore three STEM career pathways—medicine, engineering, and crime scene investigation—through interactive simulations and real-world problem-solving activities. One of the most exciting parts is getting to practice medical techniques during a realistic simulation.

This opportunity means so much to me because it will help me grow in confidence, independence, and leadership while opening my eyes to future career possibilities. I am asking for your support to help cover the tuition for this program. Thank you for believing in me, supporting my journey, and helping me take this important step toward my future.