Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (STEM) are uniquely practical subjects that have received a great deal of attention from educators in recent years. These subjects are also growing areas of interest for many young people today who want to work with computers, become engineers, or who just have a love of scientific discovery. The US Department of Labor predicts that STEM related careers will offer the greatest number of job opportunities to today’s students.
Last year Fork Union began offering a STEM endorsement on the Advanced Studies College Preparatory Diploma. This endorsement is earned by completing a designated number of STEM related classes, found both in our regular curriculum and through on-line courses offered through Cengage Learning. Students can study courses related to Coding, including JAVA programming; Web page design; Computer Networking, including the hot topic of PC Security; and Data Management. Working under the direct supervision of Science Department Chairman, CPT Bob Burger, our cadets pursue one of more of these strands as their interests carry them. To help facilitate and expand our new STEM emphasis, the Academy has made plans to completely renovate the 40 year old Wicker Science Hall. Over the next several years, all five science labs will be transformed into state of the art learning facilities. The opportunities afforded through STEM and the new facilities will move our cadets ahead of their peers in this all important area.