Introducing the STEM Scholar Program
The STEM Scholar program launches in support of students' passion for science, technology, engineering, and math. Over the last several years, Kimball Union has introduced two Scholar Programs that encourage students to organize their final two years around an area of study they find engaging and meaningful. So far, students can elect to participate in the Global Scholar and Arts Scholar programs. This spring, the Academy has introduced the third such program in STEM, an acronym for Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics.
While each program has its own emphasis, all three share some common features: they require a particular focus in a student’s coursework, periodic evening seminars, exposure to the chosen fields away from campus, experiential learning in that area, community service, leadership, and a Senior Capstone project as the culmination of their work. As you can see from these requirements, students must possess energy and determination to complete any of these Scholar Programs. For some of our Scholar alumni, it has been the highlight of their years at Kimball Union.
The STEM Scholar program is exciting because it comes at a time when we are taking a careful look at our Maker Space (the former Coffin Library), both its layout and equipment. With a recent generous donation for this purpose, the STEM Committee will outfit the workspaces with cutting edge tools before the start of school next fall. Simultaneously, Hunter Ulf, the Chief Operating Officer, will help with envisioning how to best use our space, in order to create an exciting environment for the STEM Scholars and all students with a passion for science and math. Additionally, we will be looking at ways to increase foot traffic through the space to make it a destination on campus where students can also relax, study, and socialize.
Sandra Reavill, Math faculty, is stepping into the new role of interim Director of Innovation and Design. Sandy brings with her a wealth of involvement in experiential, hands-on learning in the STEM fields from her previous work in schools. Most recently, she was a member of the committee at the Culver Academies that designed their new Maker Space. She is brimming over with ideas about how to integrate STEM across the breadth of the curriculum, and she is looking forward to co-leading the STEM Scholar program with Elysia Burroughs, Science faculty. For the last four years, Elysia has been a leading voice in bringing science alive for students away from the classroom, particularly through the Neuroscience Club that she helped to found, as well as putting students in contact with science professors at nearby Dartmouth College. With their breadth of experience and knowledge, we are looking forward to broad-based programming in the STEM field in the near future.
