Academics

DSHA STEM Scholars

The DSHA STEM Scholars program is designed for motivated high school students who are curious about and are willing to be highly engaged in learning and applying science, technology, engineering, art, and mathematics; furthermore, a STEM scholar will show a commitment to STEM-related academic and career options.

The STEM Scholars program emphasizes:

specific course work
hands-on learning through participating in STEM-related co-curriculars
learning beyond the classroom related to career opportunities in STEM

According to Education Week, both private and public sectors report that 21st-century workers require skills that many of today’s graduates don’t have. Students need more in-depth knowledge of math and science, plus the ability to integrate and apply that knowledge to solve the challenges facing our nation.

STEM Scholars At-a-Glance

List of 7 items.

What is the purpose of DSHA STEM Scholars?

Following the guidelines of ASEE findings, the DSHA STEM Scholar program is designed for a specific purpose—to integrate and apply knowledge of math and science in order to create technologies and solutions for real-world problems.
How will DSHA STEM Scholars be formally recognized?
- Special designation at graduation and at Senior Honors Night.
- Committed engagement in various math and science classes, and in courses that apply math and science concepts in creative ways.
- Small group meetings each semester in the program that provide enrichment opportunities, support, and mentoring in STEM fields.
- Personal and professional growth and a head start on your career path.
What are the eligibility requirements for coursework?
Required coursework:
- Must take 4 years of science courses.
- Must take 4 years of math courses.
- Must take at least 1½ credits of the following courses:
  - Intro to Computer Science or AP Computer Science
  - Intro to Engineering
  - AP Statistics
  - Advanced Economics
  - Graphic Design or autoCAD1
  - Stagecraft I or Stagecraft II
  - Character-Driven Leadership
What are the eligibility requirements in addition to coursework?
In addition to the required coursework, the STEM Scholars program also requires:
- Attendance at STEM-related Career Day presentations, shadowing a STEM professional, or participating in a STEM field trip
- Active participation in a STEM-related co-curricular; at least one year of participation in Robotics, SMART Team, Future Health Professionals, Math Club, Science Olympiad, or theatre stage crew
Other student expectations:
- Commitment and formal application
- Participation in all required aspects of the program
- Meet all program deadlines
- Submission of a personal essay detailing a real-life anecdote in which you demonstrated academic or technical perseverance senior year
How does the application process work?
- Applications become available in early March; complete and submit the application by the deadline (typically mid-March).
- Students eligible to apply: freshmen, sophomores, and juniors.^*
*Seniors would not be able to apply, given the intentionality of the program. It’s not just about taking certain classes. Juniors may apply with the understanding that the requirements could be harder to meet due to the shortened timeframe.
What classes are considered STEM classes at DSHA?

Any mathematics or science course, AP Statistics, AP Computer Science, Intro to Computer Science, Intro to Engineering, Stagecraft I and II, AutoCAD, Graphic Design, Character-Driven Leadership, and Advanced Economics.
What careers are considered STEM careers?

Click here for a large list of STEM careers!

What is the benefit of studying STEM?

Throughout the program, students have the freedom to think critically, creatively, and innovatively, as well as opportunities to fail and try again in safe environments.

Students will develop a variety of skills that are essential for success:

critical thinking and problem solving
creativity and innovation
communication, collaboration, and entrepreneurship, to name a few.

A recent study published by the American Society for Engineering Education identified several characteristics of high-quality STEM programs:

The learning is motivating, engaging, and real-world.
Students integrate and apply meaningful and important mathematics and science content.
Teaching methods are inquiry-based and student-centered.
Students engage in solving challenges using an engineering design process.
Teamwork and communications are a major focus.

For more information, contact:

Connie Farrow

Specialized Studies Department Chair and Faculty & Mathematics Faculty
STEM Scholars Moderator
FarrowC@dsha.info

Jennifer McLaughlin
Academic Dean
McLaughlinJ@dsha.info