STEM Academy at Williamsport High

Science, Technology, Engineering & Mathematics

"Advances in science and engineering are essential for ensuring America’s economic growth and national security. During the next decade, U.S. demand for scientists and engineers is expected to increase at four times the rate for all other occupations. But today’s high school students overall are not performing well in math and science, and fewer of them are pursuing degrees in technical fields."
           - MD K-12 STEM Ed report card

Williamsport High School is the location of the Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (STEM) Academy magnet.

The STEM Academy prepares students for post-secondary education and careers in engineering, science applications, and mathematics as applied to engineering and manufacturing through challenging academic course work and hands-on experiences with the Project Lead The Way principles of civil engineering design, fabrication, and manufacturing processes.

Enrollment in the STEM Academy is open to students from all county high schools; however, students will attend Williamsport High School. It is the goal of WHS to develop a “career pipeline” to help every student prepare for success in pursuing a STEM career that will lead to employment in a STEM profession and/or enrollment in a STEM major in college.

STEM Courses

During the first two years of the high school program, students will lay the groundwork for one of four career pathways. At the end of the sophomore year, they will choose one of the pathways as a concentration. This is a foundation for choosing any college major and/or career in science, technology, engineering or math.

Core preparatory STEM courses

9th Grade

Biology/Chemistry
Algebra I and Geometry*
Introduction to Engineering Design

10th Grade

Physics/AP Chemistry
Algebra II and Trigonometry
Principles of Engineering

Environmental Engineering/BioTech Pathway

AP Environmental Science
Digital Electronics
Pre-Calculus*
Internship or Capstone Project

Mechanical Engineering Pathway

Computer Integrated Manufacturing
Digital Electronics
Engineering Design & Development
Pre-Calculus*
Calculus
AP Physics
Internship or Capstone Project

Aerospace Engineering Pathway

Aerospace Engineering
Digital Electronics
Engineering Design & Development
Pre-Calculus*
AP Calculus
AP Physics
Internship or Capstone Project

Manufacturing Program Pathway

Intro to Engineering Design/Drafting I
Drafting II
Machine and Metals
Computer Integrated Manufacturing
Drafting for Manufacturing (New Course)
Engineering Design and Development
Internship

Possible Electives for any pathway (unless required):

AP Calculus/ AP Statistics
AP Chemistry/AP Biology
Honors Earth Science
Engineering Design & Development

* Programs available at the middle school result in some students arriving with math credits while others will need to take additional math at the high school to prepare them for the rigor of college programs in science, technology, engineering and mathematics. Students should be enrolled in Honors math and science courses whenever possible.

History

School year 2008-2009 was the inaugural year in which rising Williamsport freshmen were invited to be the first participants in the program. In the 2009-10 school year, the Academy expanded to include students from throughout Washington County.

More information

Contact:
Randy Longnecker, WHS Counselor
LongnRan@wcps.k12.md.us
301-766-8426

Download 7 page MSWord document:
Interested in Enrolling in an Academy? / Application for Admission to an Academy / Faculty Evaluation Form

Go to:
WCPS STEM Mission & Vision Statement

Academics