Our mission is to inspire innovation and recognize student excellence from Pre-K to Career in the fields of science, technology, engineering, and mathematics.
In our interconnected world there is an enormous gap between the demand for STEM trained professionals and the supply of career ready, STEM-focused students. The National STEM Honor Society believes that STEM is an exciting journey through all grade levels that starts early and lasts a lifetime.
The National STEM Honor Society (NSTEM™) was founded in 2017 in response to the growing demand for innovative STEM education, to help fill this gap, providing students from a very young age with opportunities to develop their passion for STEM disciplines. Inspiring them to pursue these subjects as careers and as lifelong interests.
Chapter Memberships: NSTEM Chapters are school-based organizations that enrich the educational experience of all student Chapter members. Chapter members are students who attend that school, who join and participate in that Chapter’s activities. Chapters can only be started by a school and each school has its own unique Chapter and Director (head of school). Each Chapter is led by an Advisor who is often the school’s enthusiastic “STEM Champion”.
Individual Global Memberships: NSTEM Individual Global Membership offers students that do not have a “school-based” chapter the opportunity to join as an individual member.
Affordability: NSTEM is dedicated to IDEA (Inclusion, Diversity, Equity and Access) to ensure that every student and school in the country and around the world can gain the benefits of membership. This is why the annual fee for an entire Chapter (elementary, middle, high school or college) is only $395 and the Individual Global Membership fee is $39. Affordable for all!
We serve these 5 levels on the journey From Pre-K to CAREER™
Pre-K-2
Elementary School, Pre-K -2, is about inspiring young students to embrace STEM experiences, to open their eyes and minds. Here, there are no GPA or STEM classroom hour requirements. The project-based enrichment activities encourage students to be naturally inquisitive about their world through hands-on experiences that engage the five senses, growing curiosity and triggering the joy of learning.
Elementary 3-5
In Elementary School grades 3 to 5, students are interested in the natural world and how things work. They respond to stories told by teachers that give purpose and meaning to STEM studies, molding them into thinkers, problem solvers, and creators. Academic performance in STEM classes is required, and in combination with the requisite hours for project based enrichment activities, paves the way for discovery, collaboration, and intellectual curiosity.
Middle School
Middle School is where students are transformed, entering as children and leaving as young adults. Their GPA begins to develop into compelling motivation. STEM classroom hours, and an expanding menu of choices, can help to ignite long term interest in STEM studies. Project based learning helps “connect the dots”, applying classroom learning to problem solving, resulting in deeper understanding and greater retention of content knowledge. With a meaningful middle school experience, students are more likely to focus on STEM disciplines in high school and beyond.
High School
Mention the words National STEM Honor Society to a high school student, and recognition coupled with thoughts of their future immediately come to mind. Motivation, engagement, and academic performance increase with the required STEM GPA and a full pallet of elective classroom hours. Project-based learning provides real-world relevance for high school students, transforming them into collaborators and imaginative problem solvers. Arising from enhanced confidence and perseverance, PBL provides them the upper hand in a global landscape, leading to a future of college and career readiness.
College & University
The 2 and 4 year college student is building skills to identify and refine their career interests. Their GPA demonstrates the student’s ability to succeed and commit to individual and professional direction. Personally chosen STEM majors and concentrations enhance focus and foundational knowledge and skills, resulting in an enthusiasm to contribute to their desired disciplines.
Organization
There are plenty of ready and willing organizations that are excited about partnering and lending support to schools that lack financial or personnel resources to start and manage NSTEM Chapters. These include the YMCA, local libraries and agencies, after school programs, etc. Each school must have their own unique Chapter and Director while the Advisor role can be fulfilled by school personnel, the partnering organization, or can be a shared responsibility. Local companies, prominent alumni, and members of the community are also eager to support their communities and are great candidates for funding your NSTEM Chapters.
Three Commitments: The National STEM Honor Society is a Benefit Corporation with three social purposes:
- IDEA – leveling the playing field for underrepresented and underserved populations
- Community & Connectivity – strengthening like-minded learning communities through team oriented collaboration
- Environmental Sustainability – operating with deep respect for our environment and our planet
Start Your NSTEM Journey: If you are passionate about making STEM a driver for your school, students, and educators, get ready to ignite that passion by starting a Chapter or joining our International Global Membership today!
