STEM Pathways Program (SP2)

Notre Dame Academy

Notre Dame Academy’s STEM Pathways Program (SP2) encourages and supports students interested in pursuing the many the fields of engineering in college. At the core of SP2 are computer science, robotics, aerospace, advanced science and mathematics, and collaborative scientific research. Beyond the core, students may explore digital art, computer-aided design, or additional science courses, including astronomy.

To join SP2, each student must interview with the STEM coordinator during her sophomore year, maintain a B+ average in required courses, and complete the program before the end of her senior year. Students regularly meet with the STEM coordinator and document their progress via a digital portfolio. Those who successfully complete the program earn a Certificate of Completion.

By the end of the student’s senior year, she will have completed• AP Computer Science Principles (or the equivalent),• atleastfour semesters of a robotics and/or rocketry course,• atleastoneAdvanced Placement Science course,• four years of mathematics,• oneormoreyearsofatmosphericsciencedata collection using GLOBE.gov

protocols,• reflectionsontwolectureshostedbytheNASA/CaltechvonKarman Lecture Series at

the Jet Propulsion Laboratory in Pasadena, • anextensiveoff-campus summer STEM experience,• apublicpresention of her summer STEM experience to a wide audience,• additionalclassesinmathorscienceorart,• and competed in VEX Robotics and/or the Team America Rocketry Challenge, and• adigital portfolio of her SP2 work.

Program Highlights

Four years of mathematics through AP Calculus AB

AP Chemistry, AP Biology, AP Environmental Science, and/or AP Physics 1

AP Computer Science Principles “Whether it’s 3-D animation, engineering, music, app development, medicine, visual design, robotics, or political analysis, computer science is the engine that powers the technology, productivity, and innovation that drive the world. Computer science experience has become an imperative for today’s students and the workforce of tomorrow.” - AP College Board

Digital portfolio of SP2 work

UC-Approved Art Classes

Team America Rocketry Challenge NASA/CaltechLectureSeriesatJPLSummer STEM Experience Presentation

Encouraging and supporting students interested in the many fields of engineering

Collect atmospheric science data using GLOBE.gov protocols“The Global Learning and Observations to Benefit the Environment (GLOBE) Program is an international science and education program that provides students and the public worldwide with the opportunity to participate in data collection and the scientific process, and contribute meaningfully to our understanding of the Earth system and global environment.” - www.globe.gov

Off-campus summer STEM experience Our students have participated in programs including:• Girls Who Code• High School Summer Research Program at

UCLA’s Samueli School of Engineering• Mission Engineering at USC’s Viterbi School of

Engineering

STEM Pathways Program (SP2)

Notre Dame Academy