SOME PEOPLE DESIGN PRODUCTS. OUR STUDENTS DESIGN THE FUTURE.
From delivering clean water or developing future energy resources to innovating for our global economy, the profound problems facing our world in the 21st century will require a critical eye and an adventurous spirit. Students in our STEM Certificate of Distinction program challenge themselves to understand how technology and design merge in unexpected ways to shape solutions to these and other problems. All students at MPA receive an education that prepares them for the fast-paced, ever-changing world. Students in the STEM Certificate of Distinction Program are particularly prepared and encouraged to imagine themselves as designers of a future where their specialized knowledge will effect positive change in the world.
STEM CERTIFICATE OF DISTINCTION PROGRAM
WHO? All MPA Upper School students are
HOW? Students who are interested in pursuing
eligible to work toward a STEM Certificate of
a SCD should first discuss their plans with a
Distinction (SCD).
science or mathematics faculty member. From
WHEN? We encourage and expect students to explore as many courses in a variety of areas in ninth and tenth grades. Since all requirements must be met by spring of senior year to receive a certificate, we
there, students may download a SCD packet from the MPA website. The packet includes all requirements, forms, and information to guide students through the process of achieving a STEM Certificate of Distinction.
suggest students make a decision to pursue
RECOGNITION While the primary goal of
the certificate by their junior year. Portfolio
the program is to help students gain skills
building may begin after ninth grade.
and knowledge for today’s global and interconnected world, students who complete the program will also receive a certificate and academic distinction.
REQUIREMENTS ACADEMIC
STEM SERVICE
ENRICHMENT
Students must complete coursework
Students’ senior service project
The SCD Enrichment Activities requirement
or demonstrate proficiency in
must have a STEM focus.
is intended to encourage students to
each area of science, technology,
explore areas of interest involving science,
each of math and science, as well as
DESIGN PROJECT OR RESEARCH INTERNSHIP
required coursework in the areas of
Students must complete a
Students need to earn 100 hours by the
design, technology, and engineering.
significant design project,
end of the senior year, spread over five
All SCD courses must be passed with
independent research, or an
areas: science, technology, engineering,
a 3.5 (B+) or higher.
internship related to a STEM focus.
mathematics, and design.
mathematics, engineering, and design. This includes four years
technology, engineering, and mathematics beyond the curriculum and outside of the student’s academic experiences.