Science, Technology, Engineering & Math (STEM )

Nova & Supernova Awards

STEM / Nova Chair :

Luis Guzman

Luis Guzman

Here are some responsibilities of the STEM /Nova Chair:

  • Serve as the representative and spokesperson for the council’s STEM initiative and the Nova Awards program.
  • Offer personal endorsements and testimony to support the STEM initiative and Nova Awards program.
  • Help promote the STEM/Nova website, Facebook page, and STEM scholarships.
  • Identify prospective volunteers and key organizations and events that could help support the BSA’s STEM initiatives.
  • Ensure integration of the awards with all training opportunities, such as a “This Is the Nova Award” workshop.
  • Help organize council STEM-based events such as a STEM Merit Badge Day.
  • Integrate Nova awards with existing camp programs (merit badges, belt loops, pins).
  • Participate in conference calls, discussions, webinars, etc., to support the launch.
  • Prospect, meet and recruit key STEM leaders in your community.
  • Help educate council staff and volunteers about the Nova Awards program and STEM initiative and about how they can help promote the program and initiative.
  • With the Scout executive at local council events, present youth members with the NOVA awards they have earned.

STEM Nova Awards:

Science, Technology, Engineering & Mathematics (STEM)

STEM is part of an initiative the Boy Scouts of America has taken on to encourage the natural curiosity of youth members and their sense of wonder about these fields through existing programs. From archery to welding, Scouts can’t help but enjoy the wide range of STEM-related activities. To support this initiative, the BSA developed the STEM Nova Awards program so that youth members have fun and receive recognition for their efforts.

Why STEM?

We live in a time of great opportunity. The spirit of innovation can help us overcome challenges and ensure a prosperous and secure future. To seize this opportunity, we must position ourselves at the cutting edge of scientific discovery and technological innovation.

Yet our country is falling behind in science, technology, engineering and mathematics. This is why many professionals and educators in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics believe the United States should do more now than ever to encourage students to enter STEM-related fields. These experts say our young people need strong STEM skills to compete in the world market. We must work together to cultivate the next generation of critical thinkers and innovators.

STEM IS the future!

Fostering a strong STEM education is our best opportunity to boost the spirit of innovation. It’s what we need to help ensure this country continues on a prosperous and secure journey. STEM literacy is also critical because it has a profound and growing impact on our day-to-day lives. Nature, space exploration, and any STEM-related interest reveals to us the beauty and power of the world we inhabit.

What are the STEM Nova Awards?

The Boy Scouts of America developed the STEM Nova Awards program to excite and expand a sense of wonder in our Scouts. By working with an adult counselor or mentor, the various modules allow them to explore the basic principles of STEM and discover how fun and fascinating STEM can be. The Supernova awards are offered for those who enjoy a super challenge. Discover how the STEM Nova Awards program helps youth be “Prepared. For Life.” 

Award Requirements:

Cub Scouts

Scouts BSA

Venturing / Sea Scouts

Cub Scouts

Scouts BSA

Venturing

Recognition:

Counselors & Mentors

Nova Counselors:

  • Must be age 21 or older
  • Register as a Nova Counselor (position code 58, non-unit position, no registration fee) using the BSA Adult Application
  • Must complete BSA’s Youth Protection Training before working with youth
  • Should complete Nova Counselor training available at my.scouting.org.  Log in, click “BSA Learn Center”, then “STEM in Scouting.”

Supernova Mentors:

  • Must be age 21 or older
  • Must be subject matter experts in a STEM (science, technology, engineering, mathematics) field
  • Register as a Supernova Mentor (position code 52, non-unit position, no registration fee) using the BSA Adult Application
  • Must complete and submit the Supernova Awards Mentor Information form to the local council service center
  • Must complete BSA’s Youth Protection Training before working with youth
  • Should complete STEM Supernova Mentor training available at available at my.scouting.org.  Log in, click “BSA Learn Center”, then “STEM in Scouting.”

Supernova mentors guiding Scouts through the Dr. Albert Einstein Supernova award should reference the most recent version of the guide to mentoring the Dr Albert Einstein Supernova Award, available with the Venturing/Sea Scouting Supernova Awards.

District Calendar:

Friends of Scouting

Campaign

Pledge

Friends of Scouting Campaign

Below is the link to the Friends of Scouting Campaign.    Remember our District name is Northern Ridge.

Quick Links:

District Meetings:

District Committee Meeting:

When: 1st Thursday of Each Month @ 7pm

Where: Alpharetta Presbyterian Church

Commissioners Meeting

When: 2nd Thursday of Each Month @ 7 pm

Where: Alpharetta First United Methodist – Youth Center

Roundtable Meetings

When: 3rd Thursday of Each Month @ 7:30 pm

Where:

Alpharetta First United Methodist Church – Youth Center

Twitter, Facebook & YouTube:

2 weeks ago

AAC Northern Ridge District
Congrats to our new 11 Eagle Scouts! See MoreSee Less
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Eagle Scouts:

Over the Top News:

Did you know Northern Ridge has a newsletter?   Click the icon below to register to receive the news as it happens in the district.    Generally, one update goes out per month, some positions do receive additional as opportunities for Scouts arise.

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