E3 STEM

While enrolled in E³ STEM you will have more opportunities to explore STEM careers than there are days that we are in school. These experiences happen in field trips, career counseling, 1 on 1 with business professionals, college tours, clubs & activities, job shadowing & internship possibilities, and more! 

 

 

Alexa Skills Inventor is a program on MIT App Inventor that enables students (ages 14+) to code their own Alexa Skills. No Amazon device is required. All skills are built with block code, making it easy for anyone to learn the basics of voice AI and invent their own Alexa Skills.  Get started with Alexa Skills Inventor HERE. Free. Complete at your own pace. 

Amazon Your Voice is Power is a project-based curriculum and national remix competition that introduces the fundamentals of computer science to students through an exploration of music and social change. Across five learning modules, students engage in fun activities and thought-provoking discussions to learn how these topics intersect.

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Education is the base of what we do at AVHS. While all students can take the following courses due to our STEM For All philosophy, these courses play directly with how our students explore future employment opportunities. taking one or all of these courses would help shape a student to be comfortable in all aspects of a STEM education - and they are all offered at AVHS! Here is a sample of STEM courses offered at AVHS:

Certified Nursing Assistants are in high demand and provide entry into all aspects of health care. Through hands-on and laboratory experience, students will understand the role of a nursing assistant, develop the skills to address patients’ basic needs and apply their skills in a clinical setting. Students taking this course will take both the written and skills exam to become a Certified Nursing Assistants on the Minnesota Department of Health Nursing Registry. • Students successfully completing Certified Nursing Assistant may have the opportunity to earn college credit from a post-secondary institution.  There are openings for the trimester 2 sections offered at the School of Environmental Studies. This course is open to juniors and seniors.  There are also openings for the sections offered in trimester 3 at Apple Valley High School. This is a 2-period block class.  Make an appointment with your counselor to discuss this option and see if you can work this into your schedule for this year or possibly next year if you are a junior.  

Drone Construction, Modification and Flight 3005 + Advanced Drone Construction 3050
As the uses of drones continue to grow in society, this course will allow students to create and design their own drones through the use of our International Fabrication Lab and E3STEM program. The Advanced Drone Construction course builds on the skills developed in Drone Construction. This class will focus on building, modifying, and flying brushless motored drones which are modified through student coding. Students will go beyond simply flying drones, learning the open firmware built into the drone, allowing for modifications through coding.

Mobile Apps Development F-3660, W-3661, S-3662
The Mobile Applications Development Computer Science course is a class in which students will learn another programming language, explore Graphical User Interfaces (GUI), and create applications for general use. This course is designed to provide students with a real-life experience in the full evolution of Application Development: conception, definition, creation, testing, deployment, and support. Students will learn the Objective C programming language and the Xcode Integrated Development Environment tool set. There will be a focus on the Graphical User Interface for the iPad, iPhone and Mac platforms. This course will require students to find a working professional (the User) who needs an Application developed. Students will design an App which meets the requirements of the User and get agreement that the design meets the requirements of the User. Finally, the student will implement, test and deliver the App to the User. The first trimester will focus on learning the new language and development tool set. The second and third trimesters will focus on specifications, design, development, testing and delivery of the Application by a team of students.

College Linear Algebra and Differential Equations (CLA/Diff Eq) F-3657, W-3658, S-3659
This course is an introduction to college linear algebra and to differential equations and is intended for students who have successfully completed Calculus BC or an equivalent course. Linear Algebra topics include systems of linear equations, matrices, determinants, vector spaces, linear transformations and eigenvalues, eigenvectors, etc. Selected applications and use of technology will be included. Coverage in the area of differential equations includes basic definitions, ideas, and terminology of ordinary differential equations, as well as problem-solving techniques. Specific topics covered include solutions and applications of first-order differential equations, solutions of linear differential equations of higher order, second-order differential equations, and systems of linear differential equations.

Fab Lab Essentials 3001
Explore the Fab Lab and learn how to create, design, and produce various products. This course will be an introduction to the 2D, 3D, and CNC-controlled machines in the Fab Lab. Students will also be introduced to the design process and documentation used in engineering-related fields. Students will be expected to complete rudimentary tasks necessary for the basic operation of the Fab Lab equipment. Basic hands-on projects will be designed and created throughout the course to demonstrate mastery of the equipment operations.

Choreography & Media F-4241, W-4242, S-4243 (Full Year)
Choreography and Media is a fast-paced intermediate-level course that distinguishes the AVHS dance
department from all other programs in the state. It expands upon the dance techniques of Modern, Jazz,
Hip Hop, and more including a strong focus on choreography skills and group collaboration. Students will
also study different multi-media programs as they relate to dance such as Garageband, iMovie, the Google
Suite, and more. Students will infuse a variety of techniques and creative skills into their choreography
through the use of props, video projections, music editing, and video making. Group work, historical
research, collaboration skills, self-discipline, and self-motivation are crucial for this class.

College in the Schools (CIS) - Human Physiology, Technology and Medical Devices F-5064, W-5065, S-5066
CIS Human Physiology, Technology and Medical Devices is a year-long course. The course is the study of the
organization, structure, function, and interrelationships of the major systems of the human body and their response to disease. This course is a lab and activity-based course (including dissections) that requires memorization, reading, and note-taking skills. This college-credit course is recommended for students with an interest in pursuing a medically oriented or health career. The fall trimester covers body orientation and nomenclature, histology, the integumentary system, bones, the skeletal system, and joints. The winter trimester covers muscle anatomy and physiology. The spring trimester covers the nervous system, blood, and the cardiovascular system. This course uses a college-level textbook.

Unified Physical Education 4650
In this course, General Education and Adapted Physical Education students will learn and work together. Students will support one another while learning the knowledge and skills to maintain a health-enhancing lifestyle of physical activity and fitness. Students will participate and learn to make modifications by playing basketball, kickball, softball, soccer, floor hockey and volleyball. They will also work cooperatively on strength training, fitness testing, biking and scooter activities. Through ongoing leadership opportunities, students will also be empowered to create a more inclusive and accepting school environment for all students.

College STEM Programs:

Data Science Programs:  Information about a number of college programs in Data Science.

Best Trade Schools - Cybersecurity online program options. Featured Online Cybersecurity Boot Camps Programs Now Accepting Applications

 

Being a part of E3 STEM will automatically allow you to network with professionals in the field. By bringing in our extensive list of business partners to do informational interviews, our students get to meet with people who are potentially their colleagues in the future and have honest conversations about their work. This program also offers job shadowing with local businesses and internships to students ready to participate in their school day and get immersed in the fields they love. While we cannot guarantee that students will get hired right out of the program, our partners notice this experience when seeing it on a resume they are considering! Get a head start right out of high school by joining the E3 STEM program at AVHS.

Exploration and education are two big pieces in the STEM path, but the most important one may be getting employment in your chosen field. With the E3 STEM program, we are committed to helping our students get hired right out of high school or have the experience needed to find work while pursuing a higher education degree. It is important to remember that both experience and education are essential to employers! We prepare our students in many ways as they approach graduation, and here is the layout of one of them - Get Hired Workshops:

Professional Behavior and Attire - Students learn understand appropriate workplace behavior and dress. In this workshop, students will:

• Describe professional behavior.
• Discuss and assess communication skills appropriate/not appropriate for the workplace.
• Identify appropriate times and uses of technology.
• Compare and contrast different occupations and professional attire related to the occupations.
• Define time management in relation to the work setting.

Cover Letter, Resume, and Thank You Letter Writing - Students develop understanding the importance of well composed cover letters, resumes, and thank you letters relevant to specific occupations. In this workshop, students will:

• Identify exemplary letters and resumes.
• Discuss and prepare different letters and resumes.
• Evaluate and provide feedback on letters and resumes composed by classmates.
• Explain formats, effective wording, length, and time of completion.

Interviews - Students learn to understand types of interviews, how to prepare their interview skills, be critiqued, and provide constructive feedback to classmates. In this workshop, students will:

• Identify different types of interviews.
• Explain different interviews, appropriate behavior and attire.
• Prepare for and practice different styles of interviews.
• Critique classmates via live observation and videotaped interviews.
• Evaluate self through watching taped interviews.

Panel Presentation and Discussion - Listen to a panel of experts on the dos/don'ts of presenting self through letters, resumes, and the interview process. There will be time for questions and one-one work with panelists to provide feedback on letters and videos. In this workshop, students will:

• Review job search process with experts in the field.
• Incorporate panelists’ input into draft letters and resumes.
• Break down practice interviews and continue to refine skills.

After submitting the Permission Form (below), we will connect with the student for an introductory session shortly after.  At this meeting they will learn everything about the program and what it offers beyond what is listed on this page. At this point students can choose to officially join - and they all do!

The student will be added to our different messaging groups to be informed about everything that is happening in the program. Parents of the students will receive weekly emails about what their students can do in the next week in E3 STEM to be able work with their students in shaping their experience.

Other than being enrolled at AVHS there are no specific requirements other than that E³ STEM students are interested in any science, technology, engineering and math career field.

Are you inquisitive and curious about the world around you? You’ll be an ideal E³ STEM student. E³ STEM is about exploration and education. Through your time at AVHS we will help refine what your interests are and help you to succeed in your future field. Get a head start in your career in the E³ STEM Program!

When you are ready to sign up, fill out this form to get registered for E3 STEM at AVHS

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Upcoming Program Dates:  

 

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WhatIsPOP’s Webinar. Oct. 7 at 7:00 pm. Register here. 

Connect with WhatIsPOP, a career awareness initiative from the American Board for Certification in Orthotics, Prosthetics & Pedorthics. A career in POP might be right for you!

What Is POP?

• A job working with prosthetics, orthotics and pedorthics (POP) combines elements of health, engineering, sports medicine and even art.
• POP professionals design, shape, and fit state-of-the-art braces, prosthetics, and footwear to help improve movement and quality of life for millions.
• Careers in POP range from healthcare providers to device fitters, and there are career options for people with high school, college and graduate degrees.

No matter what pathway you pursue, POP careers are engaging, challenging, and interesting—everyone can find their fit.

Visit WhatIsPOP.org to access valuable resources and learn how POP professionals discovered a career they love.

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Tour Dougherty Family College (DFC) on Oct. 14: DFC is a highly affordable 2-year college option located on the Minneapolis campus of the University of St. Thomas. Learn more about DFC and have lunch on campus before heading back to AVHS. Use this form to request a spot on this field trip. 

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Mini-Medical School: The Promise and Power of Genome Engineering - University of Minnesota. Oct. 14, 21, 28. Each session is online starting at 5:00 pm. Join us for a fascinating three-part Mini Medical School series that dives into the transformative world of genome engineering—a fast-moving field with the potential to reshape medicine, agriculture, and the future of health.

Learn from leading University of Minnesota experts who are helping shape the future of this science. You'll hear from researchers using genome engineering to fight inherited disorders, improve cancer therapies, and develop novel approaches that impact everything from patient care to sustainable food production. Whether you're new to the topic or want a deeper understanding of DNA editing, this series offers a front-row seat to tomorrow’s breakthroughs. 

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Mayo Clinic Career Festival on October 22: The Festival offers high school students the opportunity to explore a wide range of exciting career opportunities in a festive, engaging atmosphere. It's a fun day of learning, sharing, and hands-on experience that provides career awareness education, information on career fields, and opportunities to use patient care equipment. TV News story about the Festival. Request a sport using this FORM. 

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University of Minnesota - Twin Cities tour on October 27. This is a small-group tour (9 students) for AVHS juniors and seniors. The University of Minnesota offers a wide variety of majors. Request to join this tour using this FORM. 

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Tour the University of Minnesota - Rochester on Nov. 7 . This is a great college option for students who are sure they are interested in pursuing careers in healthcare. This field trip is for juniors and seniors. View this video to learn more. Request a spot using this FORM.

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Discover Mayo Clinic Lab Explorers Program: Ready to explore the world of laboratory science? At Discover Mayo Clinic: Lab Explorers, you’ll get hands-on experience with real lab activities and meet Mayo Clinic professionals who are making an impact every day. Ask questions, get career advice, and see firsthand what it’s like to work in this exciting, high-demand field! Watch this video to learn more.

Featured careers include Phlebotomy, Histology, Lab Assistant/Lab Processing Assistant, and Medical/Clinical Laboratory Scientist.

Date: Saturday, November 8
Time: 9-12:30 pm
Where: Mayo Clinic Rochester Campus | Mayo Building – Judd Hall Auditorium

***Additional event details will be sent closer to the event date.

Are you unsure if a career in labs is right for you? Check out these career videos to learn more.

Key features of the Lab Explorers program include:

• Hands-on activities: Participants engage in lab activities to experience what a career in laboratory science is like.
• Expert interaction: The program provides opportunities for students to connect with professionals working in laboratory science at the Mayo Clinic.
• Career guidance: Students can ask questions and learn about how to start a career in high-demand fields such as phlebotomy, histology, and medical/clinical laboratory science.
• Location and partners: The event is held in Rochester, Minnesota, and is a collaboration between Mayo Clinic’s Workforce Development and the Department of Laboratory Medicine and Pathology. 

 

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Inspire Conference: Professional conference hosted by the Institute for Engineering & Medicine at the U of M on Nov. 19. The conference will include large group sessions, small group breakout talks, hands-on activities, and more. Lunch provided. We can take up to 9 AVHS students.  The focus of this 2025 conference will be the development of wearable medical devices. Request a spot using THIS FORM. 

 

 

Ongoing Opportunities:

MSP Women in STE[A]M: Sign up to connect with a BIPOC woman working in a STEM field for mentoring.  Sign up HERE.  Youtube promo video.

Perry Virtual Experience: The Perry Virtual Experience is a free, 2.5-hour, interactive online experience for high school and college-aged women who are interested in pursuing careers in orthopedic surgery and engineering. Participants will hear from women leaders in these fields and dive into online orthopedic simulations and biomechanics experiments. Additional information can be found on our website: https://perryinitiative.org/pve/.  APPLY HERE.   

TRIA - A Day in the Life of an Orthopedic Specialist Program: This program is intended to provide information about various orthopedic professions. Each presentation might include details on schooling/program, requirements, getting into practice/the workforce, salary, and a typical day for an orthopedic specialist at TRIA. We will also touch base on TRIA’s philosophy on patient-centered care, learn about a few of our unique programs, and even view a previously recorded ACL reconstruction surgery. After attending TRIA Day in the life, you will receive an evaluation of this course. We would appreciate it if you would take the time to let us know your thoughts. Learn more HERE.  

 

Video presentations from BIPOC technology professionals working in crucial STEM career fields to inspire students. PowerUP IT – a program offered by the Minnesota State IT Center of Excellence, invites high school educators throughout Minnesota to utilize assembled and cataloged video content featuring Black, Indigenous, and People of Color (BIPOC) technology professionals discussing their IT roles, technical interests, educational and career paths, and providing professional development guidance.  The program is offered in collaboration with the Minnesota STEM Partnership. Search for and learn about a wide variety of BIOPOC STEM professionals HERE.

STEM Professional Informational Interview:  Do you want to talk to a professional working in a STEM career that interests you?  We can make this happen.  Contact Mr. Lynch on Schoology or through email (james.lynch@district196.org) and let him know which type of STEM professional you would like to meet.  This will be a Zoom session during the pandemic.  Parents, we always seek more STEM professionals to help with these and other career exploration activities.  

What is an apprenticeship? : Customized and hands-on apprenticeships allow you to learn and earn. Your wages increase as you master job-specific skills through classroom and on-the-job training. Apprenticeships offer rewarding careers and flexible work/life balance. To obtain an apprenticeship, apply directly to the employer's personnel or hiring office using this comprehensive sponsor directory. DLI is available for questions and support but does not supply apprenticeship jobs directly. Apprenticeship. Your path to success.  Learn more here and find apprenticeship programs. 

 

 

Dental Career Development Program: This program offers high school students numerous opportunities to explore dental careers through job shadows, mentorships, and internships. Learn more HERE. Use this form to sign up for more information. 

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Bühler Minneapolis Apprenticeship Academy

What we look for:

• Holds a high school diploma by 8/4/2025.
• Is 18 years old by 8/4/2025.
• Holds a GPA of 2.7 or above and is college-ready.
• Interested in a career in Electrical, Mechanical, Software, or Field Technician Engineering.

Why Join the Apprenticeship?

• Apprentices achieve an Associate’s Degree, Journeyworker’s Card, and DIHK Certificate: All tuition & books covered by Buhler!
• Apprentices earn an hourly wage while training AND taking classes, as well as full-time benefits & bonuses. Earn while you learn!
• Apprentices have experience working in multiple Buhler departments and achieving  immediate job placement at Buhler after completing the apprenticeship. Jumpstart your career!

For more information, please visit the Buhler Apprenticeship Academy website here.

 

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Cassia – Hastings and Apple Valley campuses are seeking Certified Nursing Assistants (CNAs). FREE Training! Job offers upon successful completion. No prior nursing or medical experience is required! Must be 16. Dietary Aide/Server (Part-Time) in Hastings - $16.31/hour plus more for expertise. To learn more, visit www.cassialife.org/jobs.

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Volunteer/Work at Fairview Ebeneezer this summer: They can consider 15-year-olds for our culinary assistant/server job at Ebenezer. Contact Mr. Lynch if you apply.  He can help you get a referral to the recruiter.   You will need a simple resume to apply. Other openings are available for older students. 

Search/Apply for jobs:www.ebenezercares.org/careers

Here is one opening: 2024-129959, Lakeville, 12 hrs in two weeks, short evening shifts

You can also volunteer as 15 yr old and our site in Burnsville (Ebenezer Ridges Campus TCU,LTC, Assisted Living) is looking for more.! 

The contact there for volunteering is Matthews, Sarah M <Sarah.Matthews@fairview.org>

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Fairview Earn & Learn Programs:  Fairview offers several opportunities to support your college education while you work for them. 

 

OnTrack Certified Nursing Assistant Training: M Health Fairview offers a unique opportunity for you to join our growing organization by earning a Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA) certificate and a position as a Nursing Assistant at one of our hospital locations. The CNA course cost and state NA exam are covered, and we will provide you with wages while taking an 80-hour online/in-person CNA course. The Nursing Assistant course is partially online, provided by LeadingAge MN-OnTrack CNA training, powered by EduCare. Though the curriculum portion is online, an M Health Fairview NA instructor will support your learning through a hybrid course. The course finishes with CNA skills training on the floor at one of our hospital sites. Those hired into this CNA class and job are expected to stay on pace with course dates and must pass M Health Fairview’s nursing assistant course (dependent on your class start date).

While completing the OnTrack NA Course:

• Candidates must be able to commit to 40 hours per week (daytime hours) Monday through Friday while enrolled in the OnTrack CNA training program.
• The pay is $18.00/hour.
• Clinicals will be held at the hospital department of your choice.

We offer Health Unit Coordinator (HUC) training for employees hired into a Nursing Station Tech (NST) position. For more information, please contact Andrew Hiltner at andrew.hiltner@fairview.org or Melissa Siebenaler at melissa.siebenaler@fairview.org 

 

Medical Assistant Apprenticeship: A Medical Assistant (MA) is an allied health professional who supports the work of physicians and other health professionals, usually in a clinical setting. Position requirements include: Apprentices work in a .6 FTE position (48 hours per two-week pay period). Upon receiving a job offer, Apprentices enroll in a 12-month MA Diploma program with Rasmussen University. MA Apprentices perform limited MA duties (within the limits of current training) while taking coursework at Rasmussen University. Their work is guided and overseen by the Service Line Primary Care Manager. Upon graduating, the Apprentice will move into a full-time MA role and will be able to facilitate many aspects of the patient visit experience, including room set up, point of care tests, vital signs, specimen collection, blood draws, administration of medications, and immunizations. And environmental aspects such as room cleaning. This position is posted about four times a year on Fairview.org/careers ahead of Rasmussen quarter start dates of Jan, April, July, and October. For more information, please contact Ann Gibson at ann.gibson@fairview.org.

Surgical Technologist Apprenticeship:  A surgical technologist is an allied health professional on a surgical care team. They help prepare operating rooms, arrange equipment, and help surgeons and other health professionals with
surgical instrument needs during surgery. Position requirements include:

• Apprentices work in a .6 FTE position (48 hours per two-week pay period).
• Upon receiving a job offer, Apprentices enroll in a 21-month Surgical Technologist associate degree with Rasmussen University.
• Apprentices work under the supervision of a Nurse Manager or Patient Care Supervisor.
• The Apprentice is considered a Fairview team member and will be able to facilitate aspects of a surgical technologist (within limits of current training) as a scrub person. They may assist in patient care services in collaboration with the RN during surgical procedures. The Apprentice may assist the Surgeon and Advanced Practice Professional with procedures and treatments as trained and directed.
• Upon completing the apprenticeship program, the Apprentice will transition into a Surgical Technologist position.

For more information, please contact Theresa Carroll at theresa.carroll@fairview.org

Histology Earn and Learn (internal employee program):  The Histology Earn and Learn program is designed to produce workers who are fully competent in an occupation by employing the individual and financially supporting their continued education to achieve a new ASCP certification that allows them to perform the core competencies of the Histology Technician (HT) or Histology technologist (HTL) role. Laboratory employees will maintain a work benefit-eligible position while enrolling in an online Histology certificate program through the University of North Dakota's Histotechnology program. Employees could complete this program online over two or three semesters. Interested employees must complete an application and provide a resume and educational transcripts. For more information, please contact John Wittenborg at john.wittenborg@fairview.org.

Microbiology Earn and Learn (internal employee program):  The Microbiology Earn and Learn is designed to produce workers who are fully competent in an occupation by employing the individual while also financially supporting their continued education to achieve a new credential or certification that allows them to perform the core competencies of the Microbiology role. Laboratory employees will maintain a work benefit-eligible position while enrolling in an online Microbiology program through the University of North Dakota Microbiology Categorical Certificate Program (M). Employees could complete this program online over two or three semesters. Interested employees must complete an application and provide a resume and educational transcripts. For more information, please contact John Wittenborg at jjohn.wittenborg@fairview.org.

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Fairview Volunteer Opportunities:

Ebenezer: Assisted Living/Memory Care, Skilled Care Centers LTC/TCU, Child Care Centers, and Adult Day Programs with various locations in Minnesota, Wisconsin, and Florida. http://www.ebenezercares.org/volunteer.html

Fairview Hospital Locations. https://www.fairview.org/volunteering.  Fairview Ridges Hospital

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JUNIORS: Genesys Works’ new student application is now open! Twin Cities high school juniors, don't miss this opportunity to join the Genesys Works program and build your successful future. With Genesys Works, you can gain real-world skills, earn a paid internship, and receive college and career support. Please view this video and check out our website at www.genesysworks.org/twin-cities for more information! 

Cybersecurity:

• Careers in cybersecurity - https://cybersecurityguide.org/careers/
• Online Cybersecurity - https://www.onlinecybersecurity.org/
• Ethical hacking guide - https://cybersecurityguide.org/resources/ethical-hacker/
• How to get into cybersecurity - https://cybersecurityguide.org/resources/how-to-get-into-cybersecurity/
• Cybersecurity jobs guide - https://cybersecurityguide.org/resources/cybersecurity-jobs/

Healthcare: Webinar series to explore healthcare careers. Recorded. 

Careers in Dentistry   Careers in Health IT   Careers in Physical Therapy

Family Medicine Spotlight   Anatomage Tournament   PT Career Pathways

Respiratory Therapy: Careers & Competition   Shadowing Abroad   Prosthetic, Orthotic & Pedorthic Professions

 

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Cyber Security Education Guide: Cyber security professionals, or information security analysts, have a wide range of responsibilities, but the crux of their job is to protect online data form being compromised. As more of our personal information is stored online, the more important it becomes to step up security.

FIRST Robotics: Explore various STEM careers in this fun, competitive program. Consider joining our Knights of the Valley team.  FIRST Robotics team members are eligible for a wide variety of college scholarships. 

Math Team: The math team competes in the Minnesota State High School Math League. Our season runs from October through mid-February. Talk to your Math teacher about this program. 

Science Olympiad: The Science Olympiad program is the premier team STEM competition in the nation, providing standards-based challenges to 6,300 teams at 425 tournaments in all 50 states. Talk to your science teachers about this program. 

HOSA Future Health Professionals: HOSA is a global student-led organization recognized by the U.S. Department of Education, Health and Human Services, and several federal and state agencies. HOSA’s mission is to empower HOSA-Future Health Professionals to become leaders in the global health community through education, collaboration, and experience. Main HOSA events: Fall Leadership Conference, MRC Camp, Mid-Winter Competition, Spring Leadership Conference (competition.  Contact Mr. Lynch in B109 or through Schoology to learn more.  

ACE Mentor Program: The ACE Mentor Program is open to any high school student curious and driven to learn about a design and construction management career, from contracting and engineering to architecture and landscaping. The ACE team will be presented with a design challenge. Mentors will support them in creating a design and construction plan. The ACE season ends in a competition in March. ACE will begin at AVHS in October. 

Career Coaching: This will include a Simple activity allowing students to identify their top core values.  These values are critical in guiding people as they identify career fields that are the best fit for them. 

• reviewing your high school classes and credits
• discussing post-high school plans
• looking at your strengths and interests and how those might apply to a potential career

We will also look at the various opportunities through STEM that will enhance your job readiness and resume, plus help analyze any possible barriers that may stand in your path and look at ways in which those can be overcome.

In addition to your school counselor, you might also meet with Mr. Lynch or one of our career coaches for coaching sessions.  You could make an appointment with any one of us over Schoology.  To make an appointment with your school counselor, stop by the student services office to set something up or call 952-431-8218.  Your last name determines your school counselor:

                Ms. Gustafson A-C   Mr. Perkins D- He.  Ms. Fogolin Hf-Mek.  Ms. Schmidt Mel-Roo.   Ms. Perkins Rop-Z”

 

RESOURCES:

Naviance:  Contains Supermatch college search/selection system.  Click HERE to access.  Your username is your school email address (____ID#____@apps.district196.org).  Use the same password you used to log in to Schoology & Collab.  

Traitify Personality Assessment – The Dakota-Scott Workforce Development Board procured Traitify for use by residents of Dakota and Scott counties. Traitify is a visual personality assessment tool recommending careers, jobs, and education based on personality and preference data. Users swipe through a short series of images, answering “Me” or “Not Me” to generate individualized results in about 90 seconds. It’s accurate, fast, free, and fun. Take the survey here!

SkillPointe: Skills quiz to help you identify career fields that match your skills. 

High 5 Strengths Test: Free test to determine your top 5 strengths and how they might apply to future career fields. Access test HERE.

Value Sort Activity:  During your sessions, you will discuss all aspects of your potential educational pathways leading to a promising career match. Complete the activity HERE.  

Minnesota Career Fields, Clusters, Pathway Diagram – Match your career interests, strengths, and values to careers on this diagram.

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OTHER Resources: 

CODE U: Code U is an online workshop designed to guide high school students in exploring health careers and preparing for college. Code U is produced by the Pre-Health Student Resource Center at the University of Minnesota.

STEM Career Aptitude Quiz: This quiz will determine which career areas best fit you. 

MyNextMove – Career exploration tool allows you to explore careers in various ways. It also contains access to an interest profile tool to help you better identify what you want to do for careers if you are unsure. 

 GetMyFuture –  Career Exploration System Sponsored by the U.S. Department of Labor.

Healthcare Career Exploration Websites: You may be interested in healthcare — but not quite sure what specific job or educational path you’d like to pursue. Here are two sites that can help: CareerWise and HealthCarePathway.

  Career videos.  Learn more about various careers by viewing videos from professionals in these fields. 

BLS Career Outlook Information:  Resource to learn more about trends in career opportunities. 

 Skills Toolkit – Find the tool you need to research career information, training, or jobs.

Career and Educational Explorer: Career and Education Explorer allows students and others interested in a certain career field to review related job descriptions, education requirements, typical job titles, wages, hiring demand, and top industries. The tool merges the functions and data of two separate products, Career Profile and ISEEK, into a single entity.

2-Year Degree Career Examples: learn more about different types of careers that require a 2-year degree. This resource from ISG also lists what local colleges offer programs that will lead to those careers.

STEM Occupation Data Resource site:  Department of Labor Statistics site about STEM careers. 

O*net Online:  Great occupation exploration tool including career outlook tool. 

WIOA Dakota County Wanted Analytics & Jobs: Use this resources to find jobs and see what careers are highly sought in our area.

Learnability Quotient Assessment Tool – Technology is always changing and so is the workplace. Your Learnability Quotient (or LQ) reflects your desire and ability to grow and adapt to new circumstances and challenges throughout your work life.

College Search site: 

https://bigfuture.collegeboard.org/college-search  

https://www.petersons.com/college-search.aspx

https://blog.prepscholar.com/the-best-college-search-websites

https://www.princetonreview.com/college-search

https://nces.ed.gov/collegenavigator/

https://collegesofdistinction.com/advice/the-top-6-college-search-sites/

If interested, please also visit the following website to learn more about the conversations our executives had at the World Economic Forum around Learnability, the skills revolution and gender parity –  http://www.manpowergroup.com/wef2017.

SciGirls Stories: Real Women, Real Jobs: Inspiring real-life stories for all ages featuring Minnesota women in STEM careers (Science, Technology, Engineering and Math). These are the innovators, problem-solvers and dreamers who live right next door, passionate about their work, hobbies, families and helping to make the world a better place. They motivate girls to pursue all kinds of interests and career paths.

SciGirls Women in STEM Videos:  Series of videos about women in a variety of STEM careers. 

Harvard Law To Allow Deferred Admissions, Hopes To Attract STEM Majors. The New York Times (5/3, Olson, Subscription Publication) reports that Harvard Law School announced Wednesday that it is “expanding a pilot program for Harvard undergraduates,” and will “allow juniors accepted from any college to defer admission as long as they finish college and spend at least two years working, studying or pursuing research or fellowships.” The program was started “to encourage students to gain work experience before entering law school and to encourage those studying science, technology, engineering or math to pursue the legal profession.” The Washington Post (5/3, Svrluga) reports that Harvard Law officials say they “particularly hope to lure students interested in science, technology, engineering and math fields to consider the law, since advanced technical knowledge and skills are in demand.” The piece quotes Associate Dean for Admissions and Strategic Initiatives Jessica Soban saying, “It’s incredibly valuable to have your attorney understand the underlying biology or the underlying coding systems or the underlying physics that are driving the legal questions.”Increasing Diversity In STEM Workforce Requires Greater Exposure Of Young People To STEM Jobs. Dr. Marcus Bright, political commentator and executive director of Education for a Better America, writes at Diverse Education (5/3, Bright), on the lack of diversity in the STEM workforce, which he attributes to “an inept outreach to HBCUs and other producers of qualified STEM workers” as well as “a lack of large numbers of people of color in the STEM pipeline.” He recommends “more exposure for students at the K-12 level” as a remedy, and as a means of making “the requisite math courses needed for many STEM careers more relevant to students.” In college, he says students in relevant fields of study need “consistent exposure to opportunities in the STEM economy.”

Target Twist Epic Award:  Target Women in Science and Technology (TWIST) celebrates students in the Twin Cities for their dedication to science, technology, engineering, and math with mentorships, events, and more! You can nominate yourself or ask an adult to nominate you—the nomination form is linked by QR code on this: Target Twist Epic Award.

• Young women and non-binary youth within the Twin Cities area in 8th-12th grade (2025-2026 school year) who are engaged, passionate, innovative, and curious about STEM fields will be eligible to win recognition.

• Application Deadline: September 19th, 2025 at 11:59PM Awards Ceremony: October 24th, 2025 at Target Plaza Commons

• The honorees will be invited, along with up to three guests (parents, guardians, educators, mentors, etc.) to the award ceremony at Target Plaza Commons. To encourage personal growth and build meaningful experiences that will help in future endeavors, each selected student will receive the following:

  • Certificate of recognition.

  • Bag filled with Target swag.

  • Opportunities to participate in Target events throughout the year, such as tours of HQ, coding hack-a-thons, and more!

  • Mentorship from Target team members, job shadowing, and other networking events.

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NCWIT Aspirations in Computing (AiC) High School Award 

The AiC High School Award honors 9^th-12^th grade students in technology for their computing-related achievements and interests, and encourages them to pursue their passions. Applications for the 2025-2026 season open September 1, 2025. Program Flyer. 

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National STEM Challenge: Win a trip to Washington, DC, this spring! Your mission? View the contest website for details. 

Join our STEM Scholarships Schoology Course. The access code is X82P-5PMP-BPGZW.  All scholarship information we gather is posted on this course. 

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2025 SIM MN Scholarship - Supporting Technology Education in Minnesota

SIM Minnesota is dedicated to furthering IT education and leadership opportunities within our community. All scholarship candidates should complete this form to be considered for scholarship awards. This application is open to High School seniors who plan on continuing their education in Information Technology. The evaluation committee will review the video application and each applicant's LinkedIn profile to understand their school, sports, community, or volunteer involvement, as well as their work or internship experience. 

Multiple scholarships for up to $4000 will be awarded. The scholarships are $1000 per year towards a technical or undergraduate degree focused on an Information Technology discipline. They are renewable each year for up to 4 years while you are still in that discipline. The scholarships can be used at any accredited college, university, or tech school.

If you have difficulties with this application process, please contact: Socinfomgmtmn@gmail.com for assistance. Please put "Scholarship Assistance" in your subject line.

APPLICATION DEADLINE: The Application Deadline is March 27, 2025, at 8:00 pm CST or when the application limit is reached. We will limit the number of applications considered for these scholarships to 35. 

 

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Scholarship search tools and lists of STEM scholarships: There are many scholarship search tools available to you on this list.  We continue to add scholarships to this Google document as we find them.  Check these out and those listed below. 

Scholarships for Black and African American STEM Majors: If you’re a minority student interested in finding free money to help you earn a degree in science, technology, engineering, or math, check out this list of organizations that offer scholarships for Black students in STEM.

15 Scholarships for Women in STEM: These scholarships can help minimize the cost of college and help female students pursue their dreams. Read below for the best STEM scholarships for female college students.