As a high school student, what is in it for me?
The STEM Forward research pilot program will help you achieve a National Career Readiness Certificate and Digital Badge through the ACT WorkKeys process, which includes access to an online curriculum and assessment exams.
This fee-free program allows you to learn about applied math, graphic literacy, and workplace documents at your own pace —anywhere using a world-class online tutorial. Plus, you will get hands-on experience through your Project Lead the Way course. PLTW provides cool activities that allow career exploration through workplace simulation and college prep activities, that allows you to make more of your experience.
The program includes enrichment activities, such as speaking with experts in the field, plus we will provide an all-expense-paid field trip to tour the historic grounds and up-to-date facilities of the WVSU campus where you can speak with faculty. We will also have an admissions representative on hand to answer questions or just provide referrals to education services of your choice.
Again, by signing up to earn your WorkKeys National Career Readiness Certification (NCRC) and obtain Digital badges, you will have free access to the ACT online tutorials (you complete in your free time afterschool), you get hands-on experience with the in-class PLTW activities, and an embedded math course to prepare for the ACT NCRC assessment. Don't forget we will also provide a field trip and celebrate your achievements at a graduation event.
Interested? Read on.
What is involved?
To gain a WorkKeys National Career Readiness Certification (NCRC) with the STEM Forward research pilot program (no fee for the online curriculum and practice and we pay for the assessment test), the attendant must fully participate in all components of the program:
Participate in an online orientation (after school), which includes a pre-survey.
Participate in the ACT WorkKeys Online Course Curriculum (after school), including content, materials, and quizzes.
Participate in your PLTW classroom activities with its embedded math class.
Take the NRCR assessment, followed by a program survey.
Go on the WVSU field trip to tour the campus and speak to faculty.
Enjoy your success with a recognition ceremony in your honor.
What is the ACT Online Curriculum Course?
A little bit more information on the curriculum for the NCRC.
Program participants will get an ACT WorkKeys account to complete the coursework online in the ACT WorkKeys portal. If the participant does not have a laptop or other device, speak to the program contact. Students will begin with the online Applied Math curriculum, Graphic Literacy, and Workplace Documents. Depending on aptitude, students should expect to invest 20-40 hours online for each subject. The courses include a short tutorial, practice problems, section quizzes and unit test (which can be retaken to improve score). After completing all the online work and the teacher confirming at least 80% of hands-on activity class work has been completed, the program participant will be scheduled to take the assessment.
What is involved with the ACT NCRC Assessment?
The Applied Math assessment measures critical thinking, mathematical reasoning, and problem-solving techniques for situations in today’s workplace. While individuals may use calculators and conversion tables to help with the problems on the assessment, math skills are still needed to think them through.
Number of items: 34
Method of delivery: Online and Paper
Test length: 55 minutes
Time Commitment for Online Curriculum
Time Commitment for Field Trip and Recognition Ceremony
The NRCR exam is proctored on-site.
The Graphic Literacy assessment measures individuals' reading skills and comprehension of graphical materials to solve work-related problems. Workplace graphics come in a variety of formats, but all communicate a level of information. From charts to graphs, diagrams to floor plans, identifying what information is being presented and understanding how to use it are critical to success.
Number of items: 38
Test length: 55 minutes
Time Commitment for Online Curriculum
Time Commitment for Field Trip and Recognition Ceremony
The Workplace Documents assessment measures skills that individuals use when they read actual workplace documents and use that information to make job-related decisions and solve problems. The documents include messages, emails, letters, directions, signs, bulletins, policies, websites, contracts, and regulations.
Number of items: 35
Method of delivery: Online and Paper
Test length: 55 minutes
Time Commitment for Online Curriculum
Time Commitment for Field Trip and Recognition Ceremony
How can someone participate with the program?
To participate, a person must be
10nth grade or higher to be enrolled in a high school level PLTW course.
Have access to wifi (if you do not, please advise us)
Fill out an application/registration, provide IRB consent, and agree to complete the program to the best of your ability. This includes affirming the time and ability to participate in the online course (up to 40 hours per subject) throughout the academic year.