STEM In Our Community

The Academy of Applied Science and Engineering provides students with the opportunity to develop a greater technical and academic awareness in a chosen area of study. The curriculum in each area of study introduces students to the underlying scientific and engineering concepts steeped in real- world problems.

Embedded in the curriculum is a universal focus on strategic problem solving, the development of oral and written communication skills and an understanding of the importance of ethics in the profession. The courses provided in the Academy of Applied Science and Engineering foster interdisciplinary opportunities for these skills to be used in the hands-on application of science, engineering and mathematics concepts.

The Courses in this pathway are intentionally structured to incorporate project-based learning that can be customized to the readiness levels of any learner. With the emphasis on embedded skills and project- based learning a learner can enter a course strand at the beginning of any semester. This structure provides students with the opportunity to have a meaningful experience in each content area or to dig deeply into their individual interests.

The Academy of Health, Medicine and Biology program presents a unique learning environment for students interested in future careers in medicine, biomedical research, and environmental sciences. It provides a broad base introduction to the role of 21^st century biotechnology in medicine, research, and the environment. By combining thought provoking curriculum, labs, engaging dialogue, guest presenters, and immersive field experiences, our students will acquire enhanced leadership, critical thinking and problem solving skills.

Courses prepare students to confidently accept the challenges of the future and move forward in the field of Health, Medicine and Biology with perspective, experience and humility. Enrichment opportunities beyond Academy coursework will be available to interested students, including career exploration, independent research opportunities and college courses.

The Academy of Corporate and Mathematical Innovation will provide a foundation essential for participation in the global marketplace. These courses will provide the opportunity for creativity and innovation while participating in a hands-on service learning environment. These courses will inspire students to relate their learning of business, mathematics, and information technology to other STEM fields.

Academy of Technology, Media and Communications provides students with coursework which integrates technology literacy and various modes of communication in an interdisciplinary learning model. These courses focus on studies in design, communications, and technology to bring about global innovation needed in the 21^st century.

The STEM Academy has partnered with MidAtlantic Employers Association (MEA) to facilitate training workshops for freshman, sophomore and junior students. The purpose of the partnership is to prepare “future employees” with the “real life” skills that they need to succeed in the workplace, focusing on communication, time management, presentation and collaboration skills which are necessary skills for success in the workplace.

Freshman participate in “Time Management”, “Overcoming Obstacles” and “Basics of Communication Skills”; sophomores participate in “Understanding your Communication Styles” and “Networking & Resume Basics”;  juniors participate in “Presentation Skills” and “Your Resume and Interviewing Skills”.

This interactive program, in coordination with the Pathways Program, prepares students for interacting with professionals in the field during their career exploration experience and beyond.

In addition to the Pathways program, students participate in a Career Fair during the spring of their Junior year, culminating in a 21-hour summer Career Exploration with STEM partner companies.  Companies have the flexibility of developing their own program to showcase careers in their area of business.  Activities have included everything from speakers; hands-on-activities; "speed networking"; tours of the facilities; LinkedIN workshops; HR presentations on resume writing; working on a group project and presenting back to company team; session interacting with company college interns.  Programs are developed by each organization, with guidance if needed, from STEM Academy Internships & Partnerships Leader Dr. Troy Podell.  Students complete the program and receive credit after writing and turning in a Portfolio of their Career Exploration experience to the STEM Academy Coordinator.

Every spring corporate partners participate in the STEM Academy Career Fair to give Juniors an opportunity to start the matching process for their Career Exploration. Students research the list of companies prior to the event, dress professionally and arrive with resumes to meet and greet the companies of interest to them.  This Career Fair gives students a professional atmosphere to practice their “soft skills”, interact with the companies of choice, and then match their interest to a job shadow opportunity.

The Career Exploration is for all students to explore career opportunities in the STEM field of their choice that is not included in the traditional school curriculum. This program allows students to complete their academic requirements as well as participate in a career experience in their desired STEM field.  Students may begin their Career Exploration as early as the end of their junior year. It is designed to help students simultaneously develop critical thinking while also gaining practical career skills. While participating in a STEM Career Exploration, students will attend a partnership at an off-campus location in the community. This provides them with the  opportunity to gain experience within our own community and make informed decisions regarding their future career choice in a specialized program to meet their individual needs.

This program has been in existence since the Class of 2014, with 9 classes (1800 students), successfully completing the Practicum.