NextJenn STEM TEAM

"My child, you can learn if you want to. You can be clever if you are determined to be.

If you are willing to listen, you will learn and become wise." ~Joshua ben Sirach

The UMSL Bridge NextJenn STEM TEAM at Jennings Senior High School is a one stop shop for those interested in science, technology, engineering and mathematics. Student members are involved in a number of different activities and competitions. The STEM TEAM shares students year round with other extracurricular activities such as athletics, Fine & Performing Arts, SGA, DECA, BETA, JAG, and GEMS.

Mission: To catalyze a generation of innovators and producers by utilizing STEM opportunities to positively contribute to public health, safety, and security.

Vision: NextJenn STEM TEAM students will be prepared to meet the challenges of the 21st Century armed with knowledge and lifelong skills that are transferable to the continually evolving world of science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM).

Values: In addition to the six pillars of Character Counts (trustworthiness, respect, responsibility, fairness, caring, and citizenship), NextJenn STEM TEAM members will strive to be disruptive yet considerate, self-advocating yet coachable, agile yet disciplined, and passionate yet refined.

Strategic Objectives: As a member of the NextJenn STEM TEAM, I seek:

• to embrace education by raising expectations in the classroom to include 95% attendance, positive behaviors, and high quality academic performance (As and Bs exclusively);
• to embrace exposure by seizing opportunities to visit colleges and universities, to visit industry sites, to attend on-campus guest speakers and events, and to learn from corporate partner mentors; and,
• to embrace experience by deeply investing in at least one major project or competition, to develop the skills necessary for success in the 21st Century (curiosity, creativity, critical thinking, communication, and collaboration) alongside a technical skill set.

Team Member Expectations

• Attendance at or above 95%
• Behavior - No Referrals (no ISS, no OSS and no JETS)
• Positively Contribute to Team GPA (All A's and B's - no D's and no F's)
• Dress out for PE Class (no excuses) & Participate
• Stand or Remain Silent for the Pledge of Allegiance and National Anthem
• Failure to maintain the expectations may result in probation, separation, suspension or dismissal.

History: Modeled in large part on the Iowa State University Science Bound program, the NextJenn STEM TEAM seeks to empower underrepresented students of color to pursue degrees and careers in STEM (science technology, engineering, and mathematics) fields. Utilizing admission and continuation requirements, weekly team meetings, regional competitions, college visits, and corporate partnerships, STEM TEAM members position themselves for opportunities that may well not have been thinkable.

Pledge: The NextJenn STEM TEAM way is ... [coming in 2019].