HVA STEM Program

The mission of HVA's STEM Certificate program is to help prepare our students for college and beyond, by educating them the skills of technological literacy, problem-solving, logical thinking, and innovation, so that our students can make a difference in this world.

"We're beyond excited to welcome you to our vibrant community of curious minds and creative thinkers! Our program is carefully crafted to spark your imagination, fuel your passions, and unlock your full potential in STEM. We can't wait to see the incredible things you'll discover and achieve!"

Requirements and Benefits
for STEM Program

All incoming freshmen each school year will be enrolled in a first-year science course called Integrated STEM during their Fall semester.

At the end of the Fall semester, freshmen who are interested in the STEM Certificate Program should contact the STEM Coordinator. Those freshmen who have a current minimum grade of B in their math (Algebra I or higher), science (Integrated STEM), and computer courses and a current minimum GPA of 3.00 will be invited to have a personal interview with the STEM Department to discuss their desire to join the program as well as the program requirements.

The STEM Department will then determine acceptance. Upon acceptance, freshman students will be transferred into the STEM Certificate Program for the Spring semester. Due to the specific requirements of our STEM Certificate Program, students may only enter the program during the Spring semester of their freshman year.

Webb Hall

Students will be able to remain enrolled in the STEM Certificate Program by completing the previously mentioned curriculum requirements, maintaining a minimum cumulative GPA of 3.00 as required by the College Preparatory Diploma, and maintaining a minimum grade of a B in every STEM course each semester, which includes mathematics, science, computers, and electives. Student records are reviewed by the STEM Department throughout the school year. GPA and grade requirements are verified at the end of each semester.

Tomorrow's Rooms

Past Exhibitions

STEM Certificate Program students and their families will be responsible for a $250 fee each school year they are enrolled in the program. Scholarships may be available. Please speak with the STEM Coordinator for more details.

STEM Certificate Program students will receive a laptop, charger, and carrying case for their use each year. Students and their families will be required to sign a usage agreement prior to the laptop being issued. It is expected that these materials are brought to school every day, treated respectfully and maintained in proper working order, and are turned in when requested.

STEM Certificate Program students will be given the opportunity to participate in STEM-specific elective courses, field trips, and a variety of other activities. Upon completion of the STEM Certificate Program, graduating students will receive a high school STEM Certificate and a special STEM medallion.

STEM Certificate students are expected to complete the following requirements:

● Core requirements for the College Preparatory Diploma (see Diploma Programs in Handbook)*
● Four mathematics courses, four science courses, and one computer course during their academy years
(9 credits)*
● STEM Project-Based Learning I and STEM Project-Based Learning II courses (1.0 credit)*
● STEM electives offered at HVA or an approved alternative (1.0-1.5 credits)*
● Visual arts/graphic design course offered at HVA or an approved alternative (0.25 – 0.50 credit)*
● Pre-approved 80-hour internship in a STEM-related area.
● 20 hours of STEM-centered community service. These hours can count as part of the community service hours required for graduation.

*minimum grade and GPA requirements, see the Program Retention section

Testimonial

I think that the STEM program is a really great opportunity for any student interested in one of the subjects included in STEM. Without it we wouldn't have the same opportunities to work on hands-on projects and improve our critical thinking skills. From my first year in the STEM program, I learned about concepts like light, circuits, and forces through both lectures and projects that allowed me to apply these skills.

Aiden T. Horman