Scouting offers the unique opportunity to for today’s youth to experience Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (STEM) in tandem with character development, leadership training, and ethical decision-making. Youth needs STEM literacy to survive in the future and the NCAC STEM Committee cultivates programs to promote STEM among Cub Scouts, Webelos, Scouts BSA, Venturers, Explorers and STEM Scouts.
- Blogposts: TIME Kid of the Year is a STEM Scout
Program Structure:
STEM Scouts is a tactile program organized in 2 divisions: Labs for grades 3-5 and grades 6-8.; all meant to inspire and bring STEM to life for girls and boys.
Each meeting involves a hands-on experiment and wraps up with a discussion of a STEM innovator: people of both genders and diverse ethnic, racial, and socioeconomic backgrounds who have made a contribution to the STEM field.
Labs meet 20 times a year to explore 20 different hands-on activities clustered into five annual themes or modules. Each lab receives new kits and curriculums annually, and distinct curriculums are provided for elementary and middle school.
Youth Leadership:
Youths work in teams of three and rotate through Principal Investigator, Co-P.I., and Project Manager roles.
How to Register:
Join a STEM Lab any time of the year! Each STEM Lab typically meets three times a month from September to June in DC, Maryland, and Virginia.
The annual fee of $285 covers registration, eye goggles, and all activity materials. Scholarships are available.
STEM Summer Workshops
The NCAC STEM Committee is delighted to partner with Building Momentum to offer two STEM-focused workshops this summer of 2024!
Scouts will have the opportunity to earn the Electronics, Model Design & Building, and Entrepreneurship Merit Badges as well as earn the NOVA STEM: Next Big Thing Award from BuildMo’s BSA registered Merit Badge & NOVA Award Counselors.
Click HERE to learn more and register!
The STEM Trek is a hike around the Mall area of downtown Washington, D.C., highlighting some of the STEM involved in the creation of Washington D.C. and showcasing the government agencies and private organizations involved in STEM that are located in Washington, D.C.
The Trek includes 24 stops; each has a question for you to answer (a cub scout level question, a Scout BSA level question, and an on-site question). An ‘abbreviated’ trek is highlighted in the guide for those who prefer that.
- Download the DC STEM Trek Guide and STEM Trek Blank Answer Sheet!
- Watch as Girl Troop 1853 describes the STEM Tre
Scouts BSA developed the STEM Nova Awards program to excite and expand a sense of wonder in our Scouts. By working with an adult counselor or mentor, the various modules allow them to explore the basic principles of STEM and discover how fun and fascinating STEM can be. The Supernova awards are offered for those who enjoy a super challenge. Discover how the STEM Nova Awards program helps youth be “Prepared. For Life.”
Coming Soon!
Why STEM?
We live in a time of great opportunity. The spirit of innovation can help us 
overcome challenges and ensure a prosperous and secure future. To seize this opportunity, we must position ourselves at the cutting edge of scientific discovery and technological innovation.
Fostering a strong STEM education is our best opportunity to boost the spirit of innovation. 
It’s what we need to help ensure this country continues on a prosperous and secure journey. STEM literacy is also critical because it has a profound and growing impact on our day-to-day lives. Nature, space exploration, and any STEM-related interest reveals to us the beauty and power of the world we inhabit.
Contact Us!
Contact our STEM Committee at stem@ncacbsa.org
Call our STEM team at 240-395-0601
Follow us on Facebook for events and updates!