STEM Program

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STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics) has been an important buzzword in the education world for quite some time. Three-fourths of America’s fastest growing occupations require significant math and science preparation, yet less than 15% of high school graduates are prepared to pursue scientific or technical training in college. Our nation is lagging behind in STEM areas for college graduates.

 Innovation

NOVA STEM BSA logoThe good news is that the Boy Scouts of America has always incorporated STEM elements into its program. Project STEM is part of an initiative the Boy Scouts of America has taken on to encourage the natural curiosity of youth and their sense of wonder about these fields by increasing the number of STEM elements in the existing programs. As an example, new merit badges haver been added in Robotics and Geocaching! Now, from Archery to Welding, Scouts can’t help but to experience the wide range of STEM related activities. To support this initiative, the Boy Scouts have developed the Nova Awards program so that youth members have fun and receive recognition for their efforts.

 Impacting Local Youth

Our STEM-NOVA and SUPERNOVA awards programs consists of individual activity elements in various STEM topics structured for Cub Scouts, Boy Scouts, or Venturers. These topics are designed to encourage participation and to increase interest in STEM by making it relevant and fun. Our programs will focus on year-round “hands-on” learning experiences that include:

  • Weather merit badge ScoutsBoy Scout STEM Merit Badge Midway
  • Cub Scout STEM Belt Loop Midway
  • NOVA Award workshops
  • Cub Scout STEM focused family camps
  • STEM activity and advancement area at Boy Scout summer camps
  • Training and orientation for leaders who want to incorporate the STEM and NOVA awards program into their local Scouting unit.

We will also create a mobile “STEM laboratory” to bring the program to hard-to-reach, underserved youth in our communities which may not otherwise have the opportunity to experience S.T.E.M. activities and events.

 Program Resources

We will provide specific program materials that are not in our current inventories to fully execute a quality program. Program resources, equipment and supplies will include:

  • Scouts with telescopeTelescopes for each of our three camping facilities
  • Robot building kits
  • Bridge construction kits
  • Rocketry kits
  • STEM related pamphlets for Boy Scout merit badges including Astronomy, Robotics and Engineering
  • STEM related pamphlets for Cub Scout belt loops including Mathematics, Astronomy and Computers

 Facilitation & Implementation

As an organization, we are constantly looking for ways to successfully serve the youth in our communities and our country. We are excited to realize the opportunities to play an active role in the continuation of meaningful education of youth, while continuing our passion for outdoor experiences. Our STEM initiative, coupled with our steadfast mission to instill positive values into the lives of young people will help to develop young men and women who will be filled with a sense of adventure and become prepared to be the leaders of tomorrow. We continue with our passion – creating kids that are Prepared. For life.