ABOUT THE PROGRAM:
The STEAM (Science, Technology, Engineering and Math) Early College Academy at Fairfield County School District is an accelerated program designed for rising seventh grade students who have a high interest and aptitude in the areas of science and mathematics. Students apply and are accepted into the program in middle school.
The STEAM Early College Academy at FCHS blends high school and college into a coherent educational program. This unique blend, due to the partnership with Midlands Technical College, provides STEAM Early College Academy students the opportunity to earn an Associate's Degree in Science upon successful completion of a specialized course sequence at Midlands Tech. This degree will be earned in conjunction with a South Carolina high school diploma. Presently there are 85 students in the program at Fairfield Central High School.
PURPOSE OF THE PROGRAM:
To cultivate youth exposure to STEAM themes and possible career paths.
To provide access to a demanding, rigorous, and inquiry based STEAM curriculum that encourages students to solve authentic problems and work together to build real world solutions.
To earn a high school diploma AND an Associate's Degree in Science or an Associate's Degree in Arts from MTC.
To develop integrative thinking, analysis, problem solving and communication skills necessary to succeed in post secondary education and the workplace.
CORE IDEAS OF THE PROGRAM:
To provide Inquiry Based instruction that develops higher order thinking skills.
To provide Real World Experiences that support each student's academic goals.
To provide Rigorous Coursework in the areas of STEAM for each student.
To produce College and Career Ready STEAM students.