Science, Technology, Engineering and Math (STEM) Academy

The T.C. Williams STEM Academy is a school-within-a-school. This program is an appropriate option for any student who:

• Learns best by doing, rather than by more traditional instructional models;
• Benefits from inquiry-based learning;
• Is inquisitive and likes taking things apart to see how they work;
• Is interested in math and/or science and/or engineering and/or technology such as computer graphics or animation;
• Demonstrates creativity and inquisitiveness; and
• Will be a freshman in the 2021-22 school year.

The Academy starts with a team of students and teachers who create a learning community that is a collaborative, caring environment. Both students and teachers are learners in a real-world, problem-solving, project-based environment. Students in the Academy will participate in a STEM Explorations course in which they will be immersed in the investigation of real-world engineering and technology problems and decisions affecting their local, state, national and global problems related to human sustainability. In addition, students will participate in core classes taught by a team of teachers and will focus on creating connections between the content areas and studied through the lens of STEM.

Student Requirements

Graduates of the T.C. STEM Academy complete the program by meeting the following benchmarks:

• Meet the requirements for an advanced high school diploma
• Earn one or more industry certifications
• Complete a rigorous STEM Pathway
• Earn at least nine transferable college credits as defined by the Early College Scholars program including dual enrollment and Advanced Placement
• Participate in cohort model in grade 9
• Follow course requirements and CTE STEM pathways in grades 9 through 12
• Complete the Senior STEM Seminar or Science Research class in grades 11 or 12. This class will include:
  • apprenticeships, mentorships, job shadowing, internships, cooperative education
  • project-based learning opportunities
  • school, community or service learning experiences
  • culminating research project with an electronic portfolio and final STEM reflection presentation.

Academy Goals

• To maximize opportunities in preparing students for targeted careers by breaking down barriers between traditional core academics and CTE, between high school and postsecondary education and training, and between education and the workplace.
• To raise student aspirations and attract more students to postsecondary education in preparation for technical careers.
• To provide well-trained workers to support the recruitment of new businesses and industries to the commonwealth and to meet the workforce needs of existing business and industry.

Application Procedure

The 2020-21 9th grade cohort application will be released in February 2021. The application includes a section for students to fill out which includes a paragraph of interest, as well as two recommendation forms that must be submitted by teachers or mentors. After the application due date, the STEM team will schedule interviews with students who have submitted a complete application with recommendations. Upon the conclusion of interviews, students will be notified of their status based on the information obtained from the application, recommendations, and interview.

CTE Stem Pathway Options and Courses

Recommended STEM Course Map with Advanced Studies Diploma