I’m a humanities guy (History major) but have always been fascinated with my STEM friends. Over the last several years, VCHS has invested heavily in our STEM program. Why? Because many of our students are passionate about these subjects and want to pursue college majors and careers in these fields. And we are able to be entrepreneurial in creating new course and club offerings that match student interests.
With last year’s graduating class, more than 50% of them let me know that they plan to pursue a STEM college major or career (and 25% are pursuing an engineering field). The majors and careers they listed with many doubling and tripling up included:
Architecture, Aviation/Pilot, Biology, Computer Science/Programming, Engineering (Aerospace, Biomedical, Mechanical, Petroleum, Software), Environmental Science, Equine Science/Veterinarian, Natural Resource Management, Nursing, Physical Therapy, Physician’s Assistant, Physician
Why might we be seeing such interest in these STEM fields? Answer: talent attracts talent. Our STEM faculty are talented and exceptional – hands down the best I’ve worked with. They are the magnet!
- Science – Mrs. Hochtl, Mrs. O’Neil, Mrs. Wiebe
- Technology/Computer Science – Mr. Pyke
- Engineering – Mrs. O’Neil
- Math – Mr. Jager, Mr. Mysnyk, Ms. Nock, Ms. Robinson, Ms. Webster
They’re also offering clubs such as Cyperpatriot (Mr. Pyke), Future Health Professionals (Mrs. Burner), River Watch (Mrs. Hochtl), SPRI-EPOC (Mrs. Burner), Sustainability (Mrs. Hochtl) and Women in Engineering (Mrs. O’Neil).
Much of this would not have happened without the generous support from several STEM donors, some who have even specifically underwritten new and returning course offerings – PLTW Aerospace Engineering, AP Computer Science Principles, and Cybersecurity.
Using baseball as a metaphor, VCHS likes to play Major League Baseball with things like STEM – not farm or minor leagues. And based on the success trajectory of our students and graduates, I think they’re knocking balls out of the park!
Steve O'Neil
Head of School
|