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There are several pathways (series of high school course) students can take that will prepare them for college and/or career in STEM. On this page we will focus on the pathways that will lead student to earn a STEM endorsed diploma. It is never too early to choose to pursue a STEM career, and even juniors who have never considered trying for the STEM endorsement can create a pathway to achieving that goal. Any of the courses highlighted in green or yellow could be chosen to be part of the students coherent sequence of 4 STEM classes.
average engineering pathway
average engineering pathway
In this example, the student has taken the required science and mathematic credits (green) and 6 additional STEM classes (yellow). This exceeds the requirement of 4 additional STEM classes. The student will do their Capstone Project in the Engineering Design & Development class in their senior year.
Using the example of an average engineering pathway, shown above, lets explore the other requirements for the STEM Endorsed Diploma. With more then enough STEM courses taken, we would then look to see what grades were earned in each of those classes. The student must have a 3.5 average GPA in a coherent sequence of 4 STEM classes that culminate in their STEM Capstone Project. If this student earned A's in all of their engineering classes, then they can pick any of the other highlighted class that they scored a B or higher in. If their STEM Capstone Project is related to Geometry (B) and Physics (B) they may choose those two class and two of the engineering class to be their 'coherent sequence of classes'. Add in high scores on a standardized math test and the completion of the capstone project and this student will earn the STEM endorsement at graduation.
Whatever your STEM pathway varies in high school, you are going to be well prepared for success in an Engineering Program at any community college and most state universities. With the professional certification in Autodesk Fusion360 you may be ready for an entry level position in one of the many technical company's in the state. Applying for internships at these companies, before or after graduation, is a great way to get some experience and some professional contacts in the industry. Once in college, you should look into joining a professional engineering organization (IEEE, SEAC, ASME, etc.). They often offer a low-cost membership for students and will be another great source of contacts and training in the latest developments in that field. Most engineering field do not require any education above a 4-year degree, so if you stay on track you could be looking at a full time professional job (paying $50,000+) before you turn 24 years old.
See yourself in the job you dream of and then work to prepare yourself for success.
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