Area high school students can get ahead with college-level coursework
Virginia Western Community College has announced the addition of an Applied Interdisciplinary Science Program to its Regional Academy. The Regional Academy is a distinctive, two-year curriculum where faculty prepare students to excel in undergraduate programs and in related careers by exposing them to advanced coursework and inquiry based laboratory experiences.
The academy is designed to grow the number of students entering the science, technology, engineering and health professions pipelines by engaging high school juniors and seniors with an educational experience that is fun, challenging and focused on these areas. Students currently come on campus for classes Monday through Friday to study either Engineering, Mechatronics or Health Sciences. Beginning in Fall 2018, students will also be able to study Interdisciplinary Science through the Academy.
“We are thrilled to be offering this new program at the Regional Academy that will give high school students a strong foundation in college-level science,” said Amy White, Dean of Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (STEM). “All our academy programs are preparing students in the region to continue their education and pursue pathways growing career fields.”
The new Applied Interdisciplinary Science Program will give students the knowledge, principles and investigative skills to contribute to scientific discovery. This program includes coursework and labs in general Biology, Microbiology, Biotechnology and Ecology.
In addition, students will take classes in Statistics, Computer Science and will participate in research. The ultimate goal is to provide students an environment that is advantageous to learning and exploration while bridging the gap between high school and post-secondary education.
Students and parents interested in learning more about the Regional Academy can visit https://www.virginiawestern.edu/academy or contact program coordinator Terry Drumheller at [email protected] or 540-857-6366. Area high school students are encouraged to visit their guidance counselors to apply today.
