Salish Kootenai College to launch STEM Academy

Salish Kootenai College is offering a new education option in the form of the SKC Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (STEM) Academy beginning in August 2017. Funded by a grant from the National Institutes of Health, the Academy’s goal is to prepare Native high school juniors and seniors for entry into STEM college degrees and careers, particularly in the biomedical and biobehavioral fields.

Designed in collaboration with local school districts to specifically meet the needs of Flathead Reservation students, the academy will be held every afternoon throughout the regular school year and students will ideally attend for two full years. Students enrolled in the academy will have the opportunity to complete college level courses while earning between 30 and 50 dual enrollment credits over two years of enrollment in the academy, applicable to both their high school diploma and future college degrees. A wide range of courses will be offered, particularly those focused on STEM. Academy students will also engage in conducting science research while working with an SKC faculty mentor. College and career readiness activities round out a slate of services to ensure students’ success in college.

“This unique education experience will be rigorous and application will be competitive, but all interested Native American students finishing their sophomore or junior years should apply,” STEM Academy director Dr. Regina Sievert said. “Our faculty and staff are very supportive of students and their learning, but these are college level courses for credit, so the students should be prepared to work hard.”

There is no cost to students or their families for tuition, fees, or books for students who attend the academy. Twenty student slots per year are available to Native American students (including first or second generation descendants) who live and attend school on the Flathead Reservation. Informational meetings will be held at local high schools in the coming weeks. For more information please contact Regina Sievert via email at Regina_Sievert@skc.edu or via phone at 406-275-4995. The application deadline for enrolling in the academy next fall is April 30th, 2017. Application materials and further information about this exciting opportunity can be accessed on the STEM Academy web site at stemacademy.skc.edu.