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SFA STEM Academy

Inspiring the next generation of Mathematicians, Scientists, and Engineers

{The mission of the SFA STEM Academy is to engage high school students in real-world applications of the STEM disciplines within an encouraging community of SFA faculty and high school teachers who support and inspire them both academically and interpersonally.

Mission

{The primary objective of the SFA STEM Academy is to engage academically capable high school students in real-world, problem-based, integrated research/field experiences where science and mathematics are brought to life.

Primary Objective

Key PlayersSFA Faculty

Area Master Teachers

High School Students

Target Population

NISD high school students with:

Good academic standing (“B” average in science and math courses)

Good attendance/tardy record Successful completion of

Algebra 1 Interest in STEM disciplines Aptitude in mathematics Enthusiasm for learning Investigative nature Team player mentality

Program Components Rigorous program of coursework in science and mathematics STEM elective courses that integrate science and

mathematics in real-life, problem-based experiences Research and field-based experiences with SFA faculty

utilizing SFA laboratories, equipment, and facilities for a half day every three weeks

Cohort design that encourages cohesiveness among academy participants (students, teachers, and SFA faculty) and serves as a community of support and scholarly enrichment

Selective pathways for upper-level students allowing them to investigate specific areas of interest with SFA STEM faculty while gaining college credit in science and mathematics

Peer-mentoring system

STEM Endorsement vs. SFA STEM Academy: What’s the Difference?

Rigorous set of coursework that enhances college readiness

High School graduation with a minimum of 15 college credit hours in science and mathematics

Ongoing interaction with SFA STEM faculty Opportunity for real-life investigation and field

experiences Individualized research project opportunities Utilization of SFA laboratories, equipment, and facilities Personalized attention from SFA STEM faculty and NISD

master teachers Community of support with mentorship experiences Opportunities for exposure to research activity Opportunity to enter a STEM career path fully qualified

Why choose this academy?

Selective PathwaysSF

A S

TEM

Aca

dem

yPathway 1:

General STEM

Biology and Applications

Chemistry and Applications

Physics and Applications

Mathematics and Applications

Pathway 2: Chemical and Life

Sciences

Biology

Biotechnology

Applied Chemistry

Pathway 3: Mathematics and

Engineering

Applied Physics

Applied Mathematics

Engineering

Sample high school degree plan

Sample high school degree plan

Sample high school degree plan

STEM Elective Courses

STEM 1, STEM 2, General STEM, Chemical and Life Sciences, Math and Engineering

Six, six-week sessions Project-based Integrated curriculum of the science and math the students are

taking that year Held at SFA or field sites (1/2 day every 3 weeks) and NHS

(regular class period) SFA faculty member(s) and NHS teacher (involved in the

academy) deliver each course SFA faculty, master teachers and STEM Academies Coordinator

are currently developing the courses

STEM Research Project

Applications available beginning tonight and are due by March 24th.

Application packets can be attained in two ways: Directly following our meeting tonight, or From Katy Gibbs or Michelle Baggett

anytime until March 24th. Applications should be returned to

Katy Gibbs or Michelle Baggett.

Student Applications

Questions?