STEM Academy

Inspiring the next generation of leaders and innovators in a globally connected world.

The STEM Academy is designed to support students interested in building a strong foundation in the STEM content areas and to provide students with the opportunity to explore connections across different disciplines through additional experiences such as internships and projects. 

What the STEM Endorsement Means

Students who complete all of the components of the STEM Academy will receive the STEM Academy endorsement on their transcript to indicate that they have gone above and beyond in the areas of scientific exploration and creativity. 

This program has been created in conjunction with an advisory board consisting of representatives from institutions including UVM, GlobalFoundries and Champlain College. 

Applying for STEM Academy

STEM Academy applications are accepted during the spring, students can apply in the spring of their 9th, 10th or 11th grade year.

STEM Academy In Action

climate activist workshop

Endorsement Requirements

1. Participate in a STEM Advisory.

2. Create a STEM electronic portfolio.

3. Complete 9.5 credits of STEM courses, not including the lab credits from 200 level science classes.

4. Complete the STEM Internship course, usually during 11th grade (this course counts towards the required 9.5 credits of STEM courses)

5. Complete a STEM Capstone Project, usually during 12th grade. This project will be completed by enrolling in one of the following courses:

  • Advanced Biology

  • Anatomy and Physiology

  • AP Chemistry

  • AP Computer Science

  • AP Environmental Science

  • AP Statistics

  • Astronomy

  • Botany

  • Building Design

  • Care and Prevention of Athletic Injuries and Special Topics in Sports Medicine

  • CTE Engineering courses

  • Designing Solutions to Global Challenges

  • Discovery

  • Electronics

  • Entrepreneurship

  • Robotics

  • Wildlife Biology

6. Attend 10 STEM Lecture Series events or equivalent Experiential Learning Opportunities.

7. Attend STEM workshops and document them in your portfolio.

For more details about the requirements of the STEM Academy, see the STEM Academy Handbook

STEM Internship

Course Numbers: Fall M130 or Spring M132   .5 Elective credit   Grades 11-12

This one semester course is for 11th and 12th grade students who need to meet the internship requirement of the STEM Academy. Pre-employment skills will be taught in conjunction with our Career Center. Students will then participate in a 40 hour internship at a local STEM business. Google Classroom will be used for keeping track of assignments. One section of this course will be offered during the summer of 2020 for rising STEM Academy seniors who couldn’t fit the fall or spring internship course into their schedule during their junior year. Enrollment is not guaranteed.