My name is Matt Shurtleff. I'm a certified Utah science teacher with over 20 years in the classroom — and I built something nobody else in Utah is doing.

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A 45-minute STEM mission where students don't watch science happen — they're the ones who make it happen. Spectacular experiments. A real story with real stakes.

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I started teaching in 2003 and founded my first after-school science program in 2012 — because one classroom of kids wasn't enough. Since then I've brought hands-on science experiences to thousands of kids across the Wasatch Front — through schools, after-school programs, and STEM nights.

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Along the way I discovered something. The moment a real experiment exceeds what kids thought was possible — and they know they made it happen — something shifts. They don't just learn science. They see themselves differently. As someone capable of making amazing things happen.

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That moment is why I built The Neverwas Academy.

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When I'm not running missions, I'm usually reading — Brandon Sanderson is a personal favorite. I live in Utah with my wife Mili, our three dogs, and a family that has been my biggest supporters since day one.

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The Neverwas Academy serves elementary schools across the Wasatch Front, including Alpine, Box Elder, Canyons, Davis, Granite, Jordan, Murray, Nebo, Ogden, Park City, Provo, Salt Lake, Tooele, Wasatch and Weber School Districts.

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Whether you're ready to book or just want more information —