The LHS STEM Academy Science, Technology, Engineering, & Mathematics

What is the STEM Academy?

The STEM Academy is a community of LHS Students who want to make science, math, and/or computer technology the main focus of their LHS education.

What do we do in the STEM Academy?

We participate in activities related to STEM learning. You can expect to:

• Take science, math, and computer technology courses at LHS
• Participate in STEM after-school events and teams
• Meet monthly to work on special projects and explore STEM careers
• Go on occasional field trips to interesting places to explore STEM careers and topics

What do I get from the STEM Academy?

1. Recognition
   • Special endorsement on your diploma
   • Special cord and award to wear with your cap and gown
   • Mention on your LHS Transcript
2. Career exploration
3. Access to job-shadowing and internship programs
4. A social network of students with common interests and goals

Who can be in the STEM Academy?

The Academy is open to any LHS student of any level or GPA, as long as he/she meets the school’s criteria for participation in after-school activities, and as long as he/she is capable of completing the STEM Academy program.

How do I sign up?

There is an application form for you and your parents to complete. Take this packet home, consider your commitments, and return the form to Mr. Reeve in Room C-4 by Friday, November 13. You will be notified of your acceptance by before Thanksgiving break. Some students can sign up after this deadline if they come see Mr. Reeve.

Academy Completion Requirements

Students in the Academy strive for the completion of the STEM Academy program. This program has four balanced requirements: coursework; after school activities; regular meetings; and PBGR. Students who wish to receive a STEM Academy-endorsed diploma and special cord to wear at graduation must complete all fours parts, as outlined below.

1. Coursework Requirements

You would need to complete 11 credits (exceptions) in science, math, or computer engineering, programming, or animation. This includes the 6 required math and science classes in grades 9-11, plus an additional 5 courses any time at LHS. Courses include: any Science Department class, any Math department class, and computer-related Technology Department classes (such as LightWave, Computer Engineering, SolidWorks, etc.). High School courses that you have taken in the past may be counted toward your 11 credits.

2. After School Activities

During your LHS career, you need to participate in 11 (exceptions) after-school STEM events or teams. These can include:

• Math Team
• Science Olympiad Team
• Robotics Team
• Science Fair
• Science Carnival
• Programming Competition
• Expo Night
• Other contests/events?

3. Regular Meetings

You will need to attend regular (monthly) meetings after school. These meetings (planned for the first Thursday of the each month) will be fun, relaxed gatherings where we can explore STEM careers, work on special science, computer, or engineering projects or games, and other activities that you will plan and organize. You will not be allowed to miss more than two (2) meetings each year.

4. Proficiency-Based Graduation Requirements (PBGR)

You will need to fulfill a few extra steps on your PBGR. First your Exhibition (exceptions) must be about a STEM topic. Also, your portfolio must show proficiency in STEM content areas. Finally, you will need to achieve at least a 2 on your Math and Science NECAP tests.

*this year, special rules apply for 11th and 12th graders.

Isn’t this a lot of requirements?

Yes! The idea of the STEM Academy program is to push students toward a better and more satisfying experience in technology, math, and science at Lincoln High School. The way we do this is through enriching activities, coursework, and meetings.

Of course, the idea is that you will be having fun while doing the activities. Students with a special interest and talent in STEM topics enjoy these activities and events, and you will, too!

Can I join the Academy without completing the Program?

Not really. The STEM Academy is a community of learners with common goals; one of those goals is the completion of the program. Students who do not show signs of completing the program (such as not enrolling in courses, not participating in activities, or not attending meetings) will become “probationary” members, and have only limited access to STEM Academy benefits such as special events and field trips.

Special Rules for 11th and 12th Graders
(this year only!)

Because the Academy is brand new, we are relaxing some of the requirements for 11th and 12th graders, so that they can help us get started.

Special rules for the Class of 2010:

• Need to complete only 9 credits of course work instead of 11
• Need to participate in 3 after school activities this year
• If Exhibition has already been completed, it need not have been a STEM-based topic

Special rules for the Class of 2011:

• Need to complete only 9 credits of course work instead of 11
• Need to participate in 7 after school activities in the next two years
• If Exhibition has already been completed, it need not have been a STEM-based topic.