1. SFA STEM Academy
Inspiring the next generation of Mathematicians, Scientists, and Engineers

2. Mission
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.

3. Primary Objective
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.

4. Key Players
SFA Faculty
Area Master Teachers
High School Students

5. 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

6. 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

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

8. Why choose this academy?
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

9. Pathway 2: Chemical and Life Sciences
SFA STEM Academy
Pathway 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
Selective Pathways

10. Sample high school degree plan

11. Sample high school degree plan

12. Sample high school degree plan

13. 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

14. Student Applications
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.

15. Questions?