Having just concluded the academic year, the NextFlex team took a moment to reflect on the amazing progress the FlexFactor program has made since its inception in 2016, and celebrated the impact that the program is having around the country by updating our success metrics. Cumulatively, the FlexFactor program has served 21,610 students in 38 geographic ecosystems across 13 states around the country and continues to grow nationwide.

FlexFactor is an outreach, engagement, and STEM education program designed to familiarize K-12 students with advanced manufacturing technology, entrepreneurship, and the education and career pathways that can lead to a STEM career. The program was designed to showcase the promise of these careers and help students develop the critical thinking, creative reasoning, and problem-solving skills needed to thrive in a challenging and fast-paced career in STEM.

The following metrics summarize cumulative impact of FlexFactor, October 2016 – June 2024. As reported by students completing the FlexFactor program:

• 83% of students became more aware of the range of career opportunities in STEM and Advanced Manufacturing fields than they were before.
• 84% of students stated that they had an improved understanding of the educational pathways that lead to careers in STEM, Business/Entrepreneurship, and/or Advanced Manufacturing.
• 70% of students indicated an increased interest in a STEM, Business/Entrepreneurship, or Advanced Manufacturing-related career than they were prior to completing FlexFactor.23% became interested in Advanced Manufacturing careers.
• 42% became interested in Business & Entrepreneurship careers.
• 40% became interested in STEM careers.

Students reported learning these skills during their FlexFactor experience:


Other important metrics collected about these students include:

• 53% male, 41% female, 6% non-binary/decline to state
• 21% Hispanic/Latino
• 12% Military-connected

The progress made over eight years with the FlexFactor program is not only impactful, but it also continues to grow! Whether these students end up in a STEM career or become an entrepreneur or ultimately support the Advanced Manufacturing Sector in other ways, we are delighted to have been a part of their journey. All it takes is the right connection with the right student at the right time to light an interest in STEM or entrepreneurship. Our experience has been that the FlexFactor program is truly life-changing in that the students are empowered to be the problem solvers of tomorrow and learn how the Advanced Manufacturing sector stands ready to welcome them into challenging and rewarding careers.

Having just concluded the academic year, the NextFlex team took a moment to reflect on the amazing progress the FlexFactor program has made since its inception in 2016, and celebrated the impact that the program is having around the country by updating our success metrics. Cumulatively, the FlexFactor program has served 21,610 students in 38 geographic ecosystems across 13 states around the country and continues to grow nationwide.

FlexFactor is an outreach, engagement, and STEM education program designed to familiarize K-12 students with advanced manufacturing technology, entrepreneurship, and the education and career pathways that can lead to a STEM career. The program was designed to showcase the promise of these careers and help students develop the critical thinking, creative reasoning, and problem-solving skills needed to thrive in a challenging and fast-paced career in STEM.

The following metrics summarize cumulative impact of FlexFactor, October 2016 – June 2024. As reported by students completing the FlexFactor program:

• 83% of students became more aware of the range of career opportunities in STEM and Advanced Manufacturing fields than they were before.
• 84% of students stated that they had an improved understanding of the educational pathways that lead to careers in STEM, Business/Entrepreneurship, and/or Advanced Manufacturing.
• 70% of students indicated an increased interest in a STEM, Business/Entrepreneurship, or Advanced Manufacturing-related career than they were prior to completing FlexFactor.23% became interested in Advanced Manufacturing careers.
• 42% became interested in Business & Entrepreneurship careers.
• 40% became interested in STEM careers.

Students reported learning these skills during their FlexFactor experience:


Other important metrics collected about these students include:

• 53% male, 41% female, 6% non-binary/decline to state
• 21% Hispanic/Latino
• 12% Military-connected

The progress made over eight years with the FlexFactor program is not only impactful, but it also continues to grow! Whether these students end up in a STEM career or become an entrepreneur or ultimately support the Advanced Manufacturing Sector in other ways, we are delighted to have been a part of their journey. All it takes is the right connection with the right student at the right time to light an interest in STEM or entrepreneurship. Our experience has been that the FlexFactor program is truly life-changing in that the students are empowered to be the problem solvers of tomorrow and learn how the Advanced Manufacturing sector stands ready to welcome them into challenging and rewarding careers.