Our mission is to inspire innovation and recognize student excellence from K to Career™ in the fields of science, technology, engineering, and mathematics.
In our interconnected world there is an enormous gap between the demand for STEM trained professionals and the supply of career ready, STEM-focused students. The National STEM Honor Society believes that STEM is an exciting journey through all grade levels, that starts early and lasts a lifetime. NSTEM From the Start™.
The National STEM Honor Society™ (NSTEM™) was founded in response to the growing demand for innovative STEM education, to help fill this gap, providing students from a very young age with opportunities to develop their passion for STEM disciplines, inspiring them to pursue these subjects as careers and as lifelong interests.
NSTEM Chapters are school-based organizations that enrich the educational experience of all student Chapter members. Chapter members are students who attend that school, who join and participate in that Chapter’s activities. Chapters can only be started by a school and each school has its own unique Chapter and Director (head of school). Each Chapter is led by an Advisor who is often the school’s enthusiastic “STEM Champion” (Chapters can not be lead by a student).
We serve these 5 levels on the journey:
Elementary K-2
Elementary School, K-2, is about inspiring young students to embrace STEM experiences, to open their eyes and minds. Here, there are no GPA or STEM classroom hour requirements. The project-based enrichment activities encourage students to be naturally inquisitive about their world through hands-on experiences that engage the five senses, growing curiosity and triggering the joy of learning. NSTEM from the Start™.
Elementary 3-5
Elementary school grades 3 to 5 students are interested in the natural world and how things work. They respond to stories told by teachers that give purpose and meaning to STEM studies, molding them into thinkers, problem solvers, and creators. Academic performance in STEM classes is required, and in combination with the requisite hours for project based enrichment activities, paves the way for discovery, collaboration, and intellectual curiosity.
Middle School
Middle School is where students are transformed, entering as children and leaving as young adults. Their GPA begins to develop into compelling motivation. STEM classroom hours, and an expanding menu of choices, can help to ignite long term interest in STEM studies. Project based learning helps “connect the dots”, applying classroom learning to problem solving, resulting in deeper understanding and greater retention of content knowledge. With a meaningful middle school experience, students are more likely to focus on STEM disciplines in high school and beyond.
High School
Mention the words National STEM Honor Society™ to a high school student and recognition coupled with thoughts of their future immediately come to mind. Motivation, engagement, and academic performance increase with the required STEM GPA and a full pallet of elective classroom hours. Project based learning provides real world relevance for high school students, transforming them into collaborators and imaginative problem solvers. Stemming from enhanced confidence and GRIT, PBL provides them the upper hand in a global landscape, leading to a future of college and career readiness
College & University
The 2 and 4 year college student is building skills to identify and refine their career interests. Their GPA demonstrates the student’s ability to succeed and commit to individual and professional direction. Personally chosen STEM majors and concentrations enhance focus and foundational knowledge and skills, resulting in an enthusiasm to contribute to their desired disciplines. Project based learning is a bridge to the future more than at any point From K to Career™, where students think outside the box, collaborate in creative and dynamic learning environments, preparing them for the exciting and demanding real world challenges that lie ahead.
Organization
There are plenty of ready and willing organizations that are excited about partnering and lending support to schools that lack financial or personnel resources to start and manage NSTEM™ Chapters. These include the YMCA, local libraries and agencies, after school programs, etc. Each school must have their own unique Chapter and Director while the Advisor role can be fulfilled by school personnel, the partnering organization, or can be a shared responsibility. Local companies, prominent alumni, and members of the community are also eager to support their communities and are great candidates for funding your NSTEM™ Chapters.
Leadership: NSTEM is led by a dedicated team of committed and experienced professionals.
Three Commitments: The National STEM Honor Society is a Benefit Corporation with three social purposes:
- IDEA – leveling the playing field for underrepresented and underserved populations
- Community & Connectivity – strengthening like-minded learning communities through team oriented collaboration
- Sustainability – operating with deep respect for our environment and our planet
Start a Chapter: If you are passionate about making STEM a driver for your school, students and educators, get ready to ignite that passion and Start a Chapter today!
