About the BHS STEM Scholar Program
about stemBenton High School is proud to announce a newly-developed, one-of-a-kind advanced study program – Benton High School STEM Scholar. The STEM Scholar Program is designed to engage students in an exciting, technology-rich learning environment where expectations are high and student success expected. Expanded vision, 21st century high tech and communication skills, solid STEM coursework foundations, collaborative problem solving, research, project-based learning, self-direction and social responsibility are the driving forces behind the STEM Scholar Program. Students enrolled in the BHS STEM Scholar Program will participate in an advanced academic and enrichment program that includes math, science, and technology classes all four years of their high school career. The ultimate goal of the program is to provide a comprehensive preparation for college majors in science, medicine, engineering, math, and other technical fields. Upon graduation, students will have (among other things):
  • 21st century high-tech communication, presentation and workplace skills
  • Project management and team leadership expertise
  • understanding of STEM related jobs
  • foundational advanced or AP coursework in math and science
  • commitment to lifelong learning

Upon completion of the STEM program, students will be recognized at graduation, receive a STEM notation on their diploma, and receive the STEM program designation for recommendations and applications for colleges and scholarships. STEM graduates are students are highly qualified to compete for admission in the most rigorous and competitive university programs.

 
 

Admission Requirements: To qualify for the STEM program, a student must have (1) Grades no lower than B in math and science, no lower than C in other courses for the seventh and eighth grades (2) Teacher recommendations. Each of these are used as indicators of success in the STEM program.

Note: The STEM Scholar Program is open to not only incoming freshman, but to all current BHS students that qualify. Click here to find out the specific requirements for each grade.

Benton High School STEM Curriculum*

Year 1
Year 2
Year 3
Year 4
English I English II
English III
English IV
Algebra I (H) Algebra II (H) Advanced Math (H)
Pre Calculus (H)
Biology (H) Chemistry (H) Physics (H)
Calculus AP
Geometry (H) World GeographySTEM Elective** Chemistry AP
IBCA or BCAForeign Lang. IAmerican History
Chemistry AP
Civics / Free Ent.Foreign Lang. II Social Studies Elec.
Elective / BCA
PE / Health
PE
Elective
Elective / Art
Elective Elective
Elective
Elective
 
STEM Electives (**Required Elective for specialization)
STEM-E (Engineering): **Engineering Applications, Computer Science
STEM-B (Biology): **Biology II, Human Anatomy & Physiology, SMART
 
Recommended Electives (Not necessary for completion of STEM)
Statistics, BCA II, CAD, Speech Communications, Computer Programming, or STEM-E/B electives
[Courses may be taken online or through BPCC]
 
Additional Enrichment STEM activities are not required for completion; however, participation by all STEM students is strongly encourage.
 
*STEM program curriculum meets all LA TOPS and CORE 4 requirements
 
NOTE: After the 2008-09 freshman class, an additional STEM Elective (Year 3) will be added to take the slot opened-up by students taking Algebra I in the 8th grade.
 
"Why is science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) education so important and what must we do? The global economy has "flattened" the world in terms of skills and technology. A new workforce of problem-solvers, innovators, and inventors who are self-reliant and able to think logically is one of the critical foundations that drive a state economy's innovation capacity. State K-12 (kindergarten through grade 12) education systems, with the support of postsecondary education, the business sector, foundations, and governments, must ensure that 1) all students graduate from high school with the necessary science, technology, engineering, and math (STEM) competencies to become this workforce; and 2) a greater number of students graduate from high school as potential professionals in STEM fields." - National Governors’ Association