Schools

All Systems Go for STEM Academy in Manassas, Manassas Park Schools

The NOVA STEM academy allows Osbourn and Manassas Park High Students to take college classes at the Manassas campus of Northern Virginia Community College.

A few fortunate juniors and seniors from Osbourn and Manassas Park High Schools will have access to college courses without paying any money, thanks to the implementation of a new program at Northern Virginia Community College (NVCC). 

The college, the schools as well as their respective school boards, Micron Technology and Aerojet teamed up to make the new program free to students and their parents, NVCC spokesperson Carlene Mackereth said.  

The program has room for 120 students from each school, allowing them to work toward a certificate or an associates degree in Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (STEM) fields, where there is a projected shortage of workers. 

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The program begins in July, but interested rising juniors and senior students must apply by May 7 through their schools or on the community college website

Students may take two college classes per semester; if they earn a "C" or better they will receive college and high school credit.   Classes are held at the high schools and at the community college's Manassas campus in the summer, fall and spring.  Transportation is provided.

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The ball really began rolling on the program allowing students of Manassas Park to participate in the dual enrollment program.  Manassas City Public Schools soon followed suit. 

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