In order for our youth to be prepared to compete in a global economy , they need to develop strong soft, technical, and academic skills. A sustained science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) learning sharpens their soft skills such as managing time, working as a team, setting goals, making effective presentations, problem solving, logical thinking and analysis. Early and often exposure to emerging technologies such as coding, electronics/physical computing, 3D modeling, and 3D printing equip our youth with the future ready skills that are in demand by employers. The aforementioned skills, when put into practice on a consistent basis, become continuous skills that are interwoven into each youth’s academic and moral fabric. The end result is a high school graduate who is achieving at a high level academically and is ready to compete in the global marketplace and/or enroll into a college or university.
To address the statements above, STEMERALD City is pleased to offer four STEM academic cohorts.
Motivating Young Women Using STEM Education (M.U.S.E.)
The Muses were nine beautiful young women who were the goddesses of the inspiration of Science, Literature and the Arts.
The M.U.S.E. Primary cohort is an elite STEM learning cohort designed for girls in grades 3 – 5. As a prerequisite, students must successfully complete STEMERALD City’s Introduction to Coding and Video Game Development session.
The M.U.S.E. Secondary cohort is an elite STEM learning cohort designed for girls in grades 6 – 12. As a prerequisite, students must successfully complete STEMERALD City’s Introduction to Coding and Video Game Development session.
Kainotomia – The Greek word for “Innovation”.
The Kainotomia Primary cohort is an elite STEM learning cohort designed for boys in grades 3 – 5. As a prerequisite, students must successfully complete STEMERALD City’s Introduction to Coding and Video Game Development session.
The Kainotomia Secondary cohort is an elite STEM learning cohort designed for boys in grades 6 – 12. As a prerequisite, students must successfully complete STEMERALD City’s Introduction to Coding and Video Game Development session.
The benefits of these of our cohorts are:
Student-Centered
Our cohorts are designed to focus on the needs of the student because the environment is a shared learning experience. Each member of the cohort is seen as the teacher and learner, actively participates in discussions and learning activities, and encouraged to support everyone’s contributions to the group.
Builds Strong Bonds
Over the course of their membership our students spend a considerable amount of time together in small participatory group discussions. Tehy can develop deep friendships and family-like bonds with other members of the group because of the in-depth conversations and learning experiences the cohort has shared with each other.
Academic Network
The relationships our students build can result in a network, which extends beyond the classroom, and can significantly empower their career development and academic advancement.
Efficient Administration
Since our cohorts contain the same students every grading period/semester, they are predictable. Your child benefits because they do not have to enroll in courses offered by STEMERALD City because they are included with their membership. It also helps parents stabilize supplemental learning expenditures.
Our cohorts meet one Saturday a month for 4 hours. During the session, the students are exposed to emerging technologies such as coding, 3D modeling/printing/scanning, drones/robotics, and electronics. Activities such as art, research, and chess are also incorporated to strengthen soft skills. Sessions will also include guest speakers who will articulate how the skills they are learning are utilized in the real world. With regard to academics, many of the sessions are focused on learning standards set by The N.C. Department of Instruction to ensure our students are achieving at a high level on end of course exams. Finally, students are assigned projects between sessions to extend learning beyond our classroom.
