Wando STEM Academy for College and

Career Readiness
What is STEM?
The acronym STEM stands for Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics.
STEM Education attempts to transform the typical teacher-centered classroom by
encouraging a curriculum that is driven by problem-solving, discovery, exploratory
learning, and require students to actively engage a situation in order to find its solution. A
STEM-literate student is not only an innovator and critical thinker, but is able to make
meaningful connections between school, community, work and global issues. A STEM-
literate high school graduate can enroll in a college-level course of study in science,
technology, engineering, and math without the need for remediation. STEM skills are
increasingly necessary to engage in a knowledge-based economy. There is solid
evidence to suggest that the fastest-growing and highest-wage jobs in future years will
be in STEM fields and all employees will need to utilize STEM skills for problem solving
in a wide range of industries.

Why should I consider the STEM Academy for my child?

The STEM Recognition Program is designed to challenge students who have an
interest in STEM related fields and who are highly motivated to learn. Students enrolled
will be challenged academically with the goal of giving them the greatest opportunity for
success in post-secondary STEM programs and STEM careers. In addition, the STEM
Recognition Program develops motivated, well-rounded students by instilling
confidence, stressing the importance of self-discovery, encouraging innovative problem
solving and critical thinking, teaching team building, and rewarding creativity.

A. Program goals addressing the following criteria:

1. Incorporate rigorous academic content with career and technical instruction;
2. Have an emphasis on the STEM career pathway;
3. Develop individualized high school plans to ensure course selections that are
aligned with students’ transition and career goals after high school;

B. Statement of program objectives and performance measures to:

1. To offer students a blend of classroom course work with project based
learning and real world experience.
2. Improve academic achievement of students in STEM;
3. Provide work-based experiences for students through strong partnerships
with businesses;
4. Increase the number of industry certifications, advanced placement credits
and dual credits awarded to high school students in STEM subjects
Students in the STEM Academy for College and Career Readiness will receive:

1. An individual high school graduation plan with long term STEM goals in mind
2. STEM Academy Graduation Recognition or STEM Academy Scholar
Graduation Recognition; based on students meeting eligibility requirements
listed below.
3. College and Industry Partnerships
4. A mentor in their STEM area of interest during their junior and senior year.
5. Job Internship placement for junior and senior year; if interested.
6. Access to STEM Scholarships
7. Job and Career Readiness seminars
8. Industry Certification, Advanced Placement credits, Dual Enrollment credits;
based on students meeting eligibility requirements for each
9. Access to a learning forum/learning lab to include:
a. lectures, activities, workshops
b. mentor support space
c. project material supplies
d. independent exploration space

By the end of their 9th or 10th grade year, students who seek an appointment to
the STEM Academy must:

1. Submit application packet

2. Earn a 2.0 weighted GPA as determined by the South Carolina Uniform
Grading Policy in the following courses;
a. Algebra 1
b. Earth Science or Biology
c. 1 required course (see Wando's Curriculum Framework) from the
following list of STEM *majors:
 Arts and Architecture
 Media Technology
 Business Information Management
 Computer Science (PLTW)
 Information and Support Services
 Networking Systems
 Program and Software Development
 Web and Digital Communications
 Ecology
 Horticulture
 Mechatronics Integrated Technologies
 Engineering (PLTW)
 Mathematics
 Science
 Automotive Technology
 Military Leadership
 Biomedical Science (PLTW)
 Biotechnology, Medical Science and Research
 Health Science
 Sports Medicine
For STEM Academy Graduation Recognition, students must:

1. Complete all graduation requirements as specified by the district and state

2. Complete a minimum of 1 STEM major at Wando High School. To complete a
STEM major, students must complete 4 or more courses as outlined in the
Wando Curriculum Framework in the *majors listed above.
3. Maintain a 3.0 weighted GPA as determined by the South Carolina Uniform
Grading Policy in all STEM major courses for a STEM Diploma.
4. Job Shadow with at least 2 STEM related employers-verified by completion of
CCSD Job Shadow forms.
5. Attend 3 STEM lectures.
6. Obtain an industry certification or participate in an internship and/or
apprenticeship program and/or 1 STEM club membership for 4 semesters
with 1 club competition or club leadership.

For STEM Academy Scholar Graduation Recognition, students must:

1. Complete all graduation requirements as specified by the district and state.

2. Complete a minimum of 1 STEM major at Wando High School. To complete a
STEM major, students must complete 3 or 4 courses as outlined in the
Wando Curriculum Framework in the *majors listed above.
3. Maintain a 3.5 weighted GPA as determined by the South Carolina Uniform
Grading Policy in all STEM major courses for a STEM Scholar Diploma
4. Job Shadow with at least 2 STEM related employers-verified by completion of
CCSD Job Shadow forms.
5. Attend 3 STEM Lectures and complete a Deep Dive certification.
6. Obtain an industry certification or participate in an internship and/or
apprenticeship program and/or 1 STEM club membership for 4 semesters
with 2 club competitions competitions (verified by signature of competition
sponsor/coordinator) or club leaderships(STEM organization officer for 1
school year,.ie. engineering club officer, Mu Alpha Theta officer, etc.).
7. Apply and receive Advanced Placement or dual enrollment credit for at least 2
STEM major courses
8. Complete one Capstone STEM Course (as outlined in the Wando Program of
Studies) or Capstone STEM Project (approved by the STEM Recognition
Program board)

*Courses designated in the Wando Curriculum Framework required to complete a major