A cornerstone of our daily lives and a diverse field that can take you to the depths of the ocean or the edges of space, STEM is extremely important to humanity because it has no limits to what can be explored. Naturally, skills in STEM transfer over to other academic or personal areas, and according to the Department of Defense more than 80% of careers will require STEM skills in the next decade. With thousands of jobs being created from STEM every year, it is so important to be passionate and have self-discipline to succeed in the field. That is why our director of STEM at next light is so committed to helping others with the challenge.

Introduction to Dana

A high school senior from Saudi Arabia, Dana Alsalem is balancing academics, extracurriculars, and college applications all whilst being an amazing director of STEM at Next Light! Living in California Dana has much experience with STEM, wether that be through courses or summer STEM programs that covered multiple disciplines. What she loves most about STEM is its challenges and diversity!

Question: “What inspired you to become the director of STEM at Next Light?”

Answer: “I want to portray STEM to everyone in an accessible way since it is such a difficult field. I want to make STEM feel inclusive.”

About the STEM Program

Like the other resource centers at Next Light, the main goal of the STEM program is to get students in touch with STEM internships or supports!

Question: “What do you do in the STEM committee and what are you working on for the future?”

Answer: “In the STEM committee we are brainstorming initiatives and promoting STEM! We are currently developing a 1:1 mentorship program.”

What’s included in the upcoming mentorship program?

• Matching mentors to mentees through data for people pursuing STEM in general
• Learning modules to help mentors guide mentees through different disciplines
• Four to six weeks of support, instruction and feedback

More from the department

While the main goal is a mentorship program, other exciting projects are coming in the future! The most exciting is online interactive workshops hosted by the STEM department that will be open to everyone. While there are no set dates for the release of the STEM departments upcoming projects, you can still reach out to them to find an internship personalized for you or to simply ask questions

How to get in Touch

Question: “What would you like to say to people who want to volunteer for the STEM department?”

Answer: ”Do it, come join! It’s a great, new opportunity to grow personally and professionally, especially if you love STEM.”

To volunteer with us, visit our volunteer opportunities page below, select committee member, and fill out an application:

Question: “What would you like to say to people who want to reach out to your department but are unsure?”

Answer: “Don’t hesitate! We’re all so dedicated and welcoming, there’s low pressure and we’re curious to help others! We can answer all of your questions and be of help to you.”

If you’re a student seeking internship assistance, click on the link below and select STEM, then fill out the form so our volunteers can find personalized internships for you!

An Introduction to the Director

A UCLA alumni, Chidera grew up in Southern Califonria and graduated with a Bachelors in Human Biology and Society. She is an aspiring attorney with a passion for healthcare law, combining her love for science and equity in her daily work!

• Question: What inspired you to become the director of Pre-Law at Next Light? Answer: “I initially started my professional journey with aspirations of becoming a doctor. After some reevaluation, I realized that law would be the most effective and streamline way to achieve my goals. In that transition, I’ve learned a lot about the legal space, academically and professionally and I would love to share that knowledge with other through my role as Pre-Law Director. I want to help students understand more about their passions and aid them in deciding if law is right for them.”
• Question: What qualities do you possess that you believe are necessary when pursuing law?
  Answer: “I love to research, analyze, and yap. I believe those skills were developed in my 6-year involvement in Model United Nations between high school and college. I am very passionate about equity and justice, especially for marginalized groups. I am confident that these skills facilitate my journey in becoming an attorney.”

About the Pre-Law Program

Pre-Law is among four resource centers at The Next Light Foundation, run by volunteers that provide personalized internship recommendations and mentorship. One of Chidera’s goals with the program is to equip members with information that takes their approach to law school applications and a legal career to new heights with their basic support system, and additionally hold informational yet interactive online events centered around everything Pre-Law and even college applications. Right now Chidera and her team are hard at work getting the program running!

• Question: How many volunteers do you have, and what are you working on at the moment?
  Answer: “I have one at the moment. So far, the team has added pre-law opportunities from across the nation to the database. I’ve even added programs myself or friends have completed so some of the programs have been tested and approved.”

Online events/supports to look forward to:

• Personal statement workshop
• LSAT Study Seminar
• Law Student Panel 
• Attorney Panel (certain specialities)
• How to research law schools
• LinkedIn/Networking 101
• Financial Aid

What could the Pre-Law program mean for you?

• For Students: If you are a high school student or beyond looking for experience in Law internships, programs, or earning certificates, our Pre-Law program is where you need to look. Our volunteers will provide you with information personalized to you, and mentor you throughout the process of landing the internships you apply to. Beyond this, you can find a variety of information on key aspects of pursuing law and get advice from professionals in one spot. 
• For Volunteers: If you are in middle school or beyond interested in Pre-Law and looking for volunteer hours, I highly recommend volunteering with the program! Under the guidance of Chidera, you will research opportunities in law, provide customized internship recommendations, mentor students trying to land an internship, and assist in putting together informational events. Not only does it look great on your resume or college application, you get the chance to impact future advocates nationwide! 

How to get in Touch

Whether you want to volunteer or are looking for internship assistance, I’ll show you how to get in contact with them! Here is what Chidera has to say to future volunteers or students in need:

• Question: What would you like to say to people who want to volunteer for the Pre-Law department?
  Answer: “JOIN! It’s gonna be a great opportunity to develop yourself professionally. One thing I’m excited about is to learn from students and the research I do on behalf of students. I am yet to apply to law school so a lot of the events the pre-law department will hold will be applicable to me as well and I think future volunteers who are interested in a career in law will be able to benefit from that dynamic as well.”

• Question: What would you like to say to anyone who wants to reach out the the Pre-Law program for assistance?
  Answer: “Please reach out. I am more than happy to assist students who are trying to navigate the legal space because I understand. In some ways, I’m in their shoes so I’m happy to navigate it together. Through my research, I’ve developed a wonderful network of legal professionals, lawyers, healthcare professionals, and fellow students who possess a wealth of knowledge that I can have them share with members!”
  

To volunteer with us, visit our volunteer opportunities page below, select committee member, and fill out an application:

If you’re a student seeking internship assistance, click on the link below and select Government/Law, then fill out the form so our volunteers can find personalized internships for you!

Conclusion

In summary, the Pre-Law program is the resource center to go to when pursuing law and navigating internships/college applications! Volunteer work with the program could range from research to event planning, while seeking help with the program provides personalized assistance and mentorship! As the director, Chidera is very experienced in pre-law and is applying to law school herself in the coming years, which makes her a relatable guide for students pursuing law, and is very excited to work with future volunteers and students.

Interested in hearing about our other resource departments? More blogs are to come! Thank you for reading.

Are you considering applying for a passport in the United States, whether it be for a vacation, education, volunteering or work? Even if you don’t have an important trip coming up, getting a passport as soon as you can could save a lot of hassle in the long run, as the process of applying for and receiving your passport is a time consuming and complicated process.

At Next Light one of our biggest commitments is making information accessible and easy to understand. For our very first how to, our Chief of Research compiled a step-by-step, easy guide on how to get a passport!

Our quick guide will help you:

1. Understand the passport application process
2. Provide accurate documentation when applying
3. Know where to submit your application
4. Follow other instructions
5. Easily navigate the process 

Before you begin reading, know that if you have any questions or need clarification, please feel free to reach out to the Next Light Foundation for assistance! Steps to getting a passport are sometimes interwoven, and it can be hard to keep track of what you do and don’t have, so we recommend making a checklist of what you need (which we made a rough-draft for at the end of the blog! We also highly encourage you to visit the websites listed under our Resources tab, as they provide direct, up-to-date information from the U.S. State Department on how to apply for a passport.

*NOTE: Italicized words/phrases are direct links to resources!

The Steps

1. Complete Form DS-11

• Print on single-sided paper
• Do not sign until the passport acceptance agent asks (Check Step 7)

For first-time applicants, the Passport Book ($130) is generally recommended, as it allows international travel by air, land, or sea. The Passport Card ($30) is optional and only works for land or sea travel to nearby countries.

2. Citizenship Evidence 

• U.S. birth certificate (must show seal/stamp, full name, date of birth, parents’ names, date filed within 1 year, and registrar’s signature)
  • Additional Info here
• Only physical copies are accepted! (Check Step 7)

3. Identification 

• Bring a physical ID:
  • Valid driver’s license or enhanced driver ID
• If your driver’s license is from a different state than where you are applying, bring a second form of photo ID
  • State-issued non-driver ID card
  • Military ID Card
  • Government Employment Card
  • Certificate of naturalization/citizenship
  • Tribal photo ID Card

4. Passport Photo

• Follow the official photo instructions
  • One recent 2×2 color photo
• Do not attach the photos! The agent will staple it to your application (Check Step 7)

5. Payments
When you submit your passport application, you will need to pay two separate fees:

• 1. Application Fee (payable to U.S. Department of State by check or money order):
  • Passport Book: $130
  • Passport Card: $30
  • Both Book & Card: $160
• 2. Facility Acceptance Fee (payable to the location where you submit your application): $35
  • Check with the facility for accepted payment methods (some may accept cash, credit, or check).

You may also need to pay additional fees for optional services:

• Expedited Service: +$60 (for faster processing, 2–3 weeks instead of the standard 4–6 weeks)
• 1–2 Day Delivery: +$22.05 (to receive your passport quickly after it is printed)

6. Special Situations (if applicable)
Some applicants may need to provide extra documents:

• Lost or stolen passport: Complete and submit Form DS-64
• Damaged passport: Submit the damaged passport and a signed statement explaining the damage. (Damage includes water, mold, stains, tears, missing pages, or unofficial markings. Normal wear, like small bends or folded pages, does not count.)
• Covered sex offenders under International Megan’s Law: Provide a signed and dated statement acknowledging your status.

7. Submit in Person

• Visit an authorized passport acceptance facility
  • A US post office, library, or local government office.
    • Check the facility’s website to see if you need an appointment.
• What happens at the facility:
  • The passport agent will verify your original documents and photocopies.
  • You will take an oath confirming that the information on your application is true.
  • You will sign Form DS-11 in front of the agent.
  • The agent will attach your passport photo to the application. (Check if your local passport acceptance facility will take your passport photo in person or if you need to come with it prepared.)

Important Things to Note About the Photocopy Requirements

When you apply for a passport, you must bring both the original documents and photocopies of:

1. Citizenship Evidence (e.g., birth certificate, naturalization certificate)

• Bring the original with the government seal or stamp.
• Bring one photocopy of the document.

2. Photo ID (e.g., driver’s license, state ID)

• Bring the original ID
• Bring one photocopy of the front and back of the ID

Photocopy Guidelines:

• Use standard 8.5 x 11-inch paper
• Photocopies must be black and white only (no color)
• Photocopy single-sided! 

*If you cannot photocopy at home, check with your local passport acceptance facility to see if they can provide you assistance! If that does not work go to your local pharmacy, library, or copy shop.

8. Be Cautious of Processing Times

If you are applying for a passport because you plan to travel soon, be mindful of how long it may take. Below are rough estimates of how long it will take you to receive your passport, but complications that could make it longer are always subject to happen; so plan accordingly.

• Routine Service: 4–6 weeks (does not include mailing time).
• Expedited Service: 2–3 weeks (plus mailing time; additional $60 fee).
• Mailing Considerations:
  • It may take up to 2 weeks for your application to reach the State Department.
  • It may take up to 2 weeks to receive your new passport after it is mailed.

Conclusion

For first-time applicants, applying for a passport can seem huge and daunting. Breaking down the task into smaller steps, and double-checking requirements with your local passport facility is the best way to keep it simple and do it correctly! Below is a simplified check-list to help you keep track of what you need that we recommend you write down! We will also provide further resources below that will provide you with up-to-date information and may clarify more information.

Check-list: 

• Fill out Form DS-11 (don’t sign)
• Gather proof of citizenship, photo ID, and photocopies.
• Provide a passport photo
• Address special cases (lost, damaged, etc.).
• Pay the required fees
• Submit in person at an acceptance facility.
• Track processing and plan around mailing times

Further Resources:

• Apply for a passport homepage
• Compilation of passport forms
• 4-Minute Video Guide

Thank you for reading, and we wish you the best of luck on applying for your passport and safe travels!

An Introduction to the Director

From a small town in Virginia, Natalie is a Senior in high school pursuing emergency medicine. She is an NREMT with lab research experience, and has used her involvement with Pre-Med as her foundation as the director of our Pre-Med program. As a founder of her own internship-help group, Natalie hopes to further impact students with Next Light!

• Question: What made you qualified to be the director of the Pre-Med Program?
  Answer: “I have research and clinical experience, and in my own organization I provided students with online research opportunities that helped them have the background that would get them inside of a real lab. Obviously you can’t give inexperienced students expensive machinery, but through the program I hosted we gave them that basic experience to get them into higher level programs. That’s what I’m hoping to do here!”

About the Pre-Med Program

Pre-Med is among four resource centers at The Next Light Foundation, run by volunteers that provide personalized internship recommendations and mentorship. One of Natalies goals with the program is to create a supportive community among her volunteers where everyone wants each other to succeed and wants students to do well.

• Question: What is your vision(s) for the Pre-Med Program?
  Answer: “My main vision is to work together on applications and essays, I think it would be good to have group essay reviews. I know that medicine essays are a big thing and I also want to do mini-lessons about different careers, how to find experience, good certifications, and obviously our main goal which is helping students find opportunities and helping them apply.”

What could the Pre-Med Program mean for you?

• For Students: If you are a high school student or beyond looking for experience in Pre-Med internships, programs, or earning certificates, our Pre-Med program is where you need to look. Our volunteers will provide you with information personalized to you, and mentor you throughout the process of landing the internships you apply to.
• For Volunteers: If you are in middle school or beyond interested in Pre-Med and looking for volunteer hours, I highly recommend volunteering with our Pre-Med program! Under the guidance of Natalie, you will research Pre-Med internships, provide customized internship recommendations, and mentor students trying to land an internship. Not only does it look great on your resume or college application, you get the chance to impact students nationwide!

How to get in Touch

Whether you want to volunteer or are looking for internship assistance, I’ll show you how to get in contact with them! If you’re unsure about volunteering, see Natalies advice below.

• Question: “What do you have to say to students who want to volunteer with the Pre-Med Program but are unsure?
  Answer: “I think just take a shot, and figure it out! There’s no harm in taking an opportunity to see if you enjoy it or not.”

To volunteer with us, visit our volunteer opportunities page below, select committee member, and fill out an application:

If you’re a student seeking internship assistance, click on the link below and select Pre-Med, then fill out the form so our volunteers can find personalized internships for you!

Conclusion

To summarize Next Light’s Pre-Med Program, it is the place to go to no matter your age if you are looking for experience in Pre-Med, whether that means volunteering with us or acquiring mentorship as you search for and apply for internships. Our director Natalie is very excited to work with a variety of volunteers and students and use her prior experiences in Pre-Med and internship help to help you achieve your goals.

Check back in every Monday for more blogs on the Next Light Foundation! Thanks for reading.

Founder/Executive Director

     Citlali Santos-Martinez

“As a daughter of immigrants I had no idea on how to navigate the social and political systems that exist within the United States. I created the Next Light Foundation to help students who were or are in the same position as me.”

Citlali Santos-Martinez is an aspiring immigration attorney and Sophomore at Santa Monica College majoring in Political Science and History. A simple summary of Citlalis experience before founding The Next Light Foundation would not do justice for the amount of effort she has put into impacting her community and the wider world! Her work centers around advocacy, mentorship, and service; a combination of skills which she uses to lead the passionate Board Members at The Next Light Foundation.

Vice President

     Anna Lin

“Given the current perspective of immigrants in the United States, I hope to make an impact on guiding youths from underrepresented and underprivileged backgrounds. I look forward to working with all of you!”

Anna Lin is a high school senior in New York and an active student in her community; she holds many leadership experiences and gives back to her community during her free time! As Vice President Anna is in charge of multiple responsibilities as she oversees the entirety of the board. In her role she hopes to impact future generations who may find themselves lost.

Chief of Staff

     Christopher Hendrix

“I’m a dynamic youth advocate and MSW candidate at Cal State Fullerton, with dual B.A. degrees in Political Science and Psychology from CSUDH.”

Christopher Hendrix is a champion of equity, mentorship, policy, wellness, and youth-centered systems. The Board supports a variety of youth on the daily, and Christophers strive for rigor and accountability is the cornerstone for making an impact! As the Chief of Staff, Christopher provides much needed supports to all of our Board members that boost morale and team connection.

Chief of Research

     Brenda Macuil

“I’m a proud Los Angeles native with a passion for reading and community service. As a first-generation college student from an immigrant family, I’m deeply committed to work that uplifts underserved communities and helps break down barriers to academic and economic opportunity. This is what drew me to the mission of the Next Light Foundation in the first place!”

Brenda Macuil is an undergraduate research scholar, honors student, and works with multiple organizations that tackle DEI preservation, honest reporting, labor, and more! She is active in her community as a student, intern, tutor, journalist, and has brought her diverse expertise to make an impact at the Next Light Foundation! Her work as the Chief of Research involves finding a variety of support resources for Next Light to share with the world.

Events Coordinator

     Alishba Tareque

“Born and raised in Southern California, I grew up surrounded by a strong sense of community and a drive to make a difference. Throughout high school, I’ve been deeply involved in leadership, volunteer work, and advocacy, especially for youth and women’s rights. These experiences inspired me to pursue a future in law and public policy. I’m currently focused on studying political science and exploring opportunities that allow me to uplift others and amplify underrepresented voices. Joining this program is another step toward building a more equitable and informed future.”

A senior at John F. Kennedy High School, Alishba has leadership experiences across multiple clubs and other organizations! As the Events Coordinator, her passion for uplifting communities and experiences in management is essential for organizing events for Next Light such as reading competitions and more!

Chief of Translators

     Natalie Ascorra

“I have witnessed how immigration and education systems impact families like mine, which inspired my passion for advocacy and community work. I joined The Next Light Foundation to continue building inclusive, empowering communities and to learn from others who are just as passionate about social justice and systemic change!”

Natalie Ascorra is a first generation student studying Political Science and Organizational Studies at Pitzer College. Beyond this she is a student advocate whose work is centered around equity and inclusion. Leading a team of translators at Next Light, Natalie is integral to making the foundations work as accessible for the world as possible!

Director of Mentorship

     Zaira Amara

“Hi! My name is Zaira and i’m a rising junior from Rancho Cucamonga, CA. I love politics, biology, the ocean, and colorguard. I’m here to make a difference in the lives of others, and I cant wait to help the Next Light do great things!”

Zaira Amara is an aspiring leader, activist, and scientist at Claremont High School! She serves in roles such as Sales Representative, Ambassador, and Fellow across her community and online, and now offers her guidance as the Director of Mentorship. She is the leader of the mentors in our Mentorship Program, which supports the Academic Opportunity board in providing students resources and mentoring them through a variety of processes.

Blog and Content Manager

     Addie Harmon

“I’m super passionate about service, education, and writing, which led me to my role as Blog and Content Manager! As a student myself who also doesn’t know where to look, I joined the Next Light foundation in hopes that my research and content will be of help to you too.”

Oh hey, that’s me! I’m Addie, and as the Blog and Content manager my main goal is to make Next Light’s work digestible for our audience, and cover topics that will be useful for a variety of students. I am an English Tutor and aspiring teacher with multiple leadership experiences, and am so happy to be serving students across the world!

Social Media Manager

     Maalika Mehta

“I grew up with a strong sense of justice and a passion for helping others find their voice. I plan to pursue a career in the legal field to advocate for equity and create meaningful change. As the board’s social media intern, I’m excited to help share our mission and connect with the community, while also learning from mentors and building my skills. I look forward to contributing my creativity, dedication, and perspective to the team.”

A Junior at Oyster Bay High School, Maalika is our Social Media Manager! Navigating multiple platforms and thinking of a variety of audiences, Maalika is Next Light’s main promoter and an essential member of the foundation.

Academic Opportunity Board

Leading groups of Academic Committee volunteers, the Academic Opportunity Board are the individuals responsible for making internships in Pe-Law, Pre-Med, and STEM easy to find by providing hand-picked resources to students who fill out a resource center form!

Director of Pre-Law

     Chidera Anthony-Wise

“As an aspiring attorney passionate about healthcare equity, I hope to make a real difference in medical law. I graduated from UCLA with a degree in Human Biology and Society, where I developed an interest in how law and medicine intersect to impact people’s lives. Through experiences like legal research with health-focused law groups and volunteering in underserved communities, I’ve seen firsthand the challenges many face in accessing quality care. I’m excited to use my blend of legal knowledge and healthcare experience to improve patient access. Serving as the Pre-Law Director, I am eager to connect with you all and provide insight to succeed in the legal field!”

Director of Pre-Med

     Natalie Stopf

“Hello everyone! My name is Natalie and I come from a small town in Virginia. I’m an NREMT, have participated in lab research, and hope to one day go into medicine! As someone from a small town, I am very passionate about making sure each student has equal opportunities to education about and experience in the field that they plan to go in. I previously founded my own student group to fulfill this passion, and am excited to continue to do so through Next Light!”

Director of STEM

     Dana Alsalem

“Hi! I’m Dana, your new STEM Director. I’m a rising high school senior from Southern California with a strong passion for science and a dream of becoming a medical scientist/researcher. I’m incredibly excited to help lead STEM initiatives and share my love for science with other curious, driven students.”