THINNOX LEAP is a unique Reach Ahead platform designed to at prepare students for the academic challenges and innovation opportunities found in university STEAM programs. This program provides students the knowledge, skills, and experiences necessary to explore career pathways, develop workplace readiness skills, and make informed decisions about their future careers while still at High School. The curriculum is designed to foster critical thinking, problem-solving skills, and creativity, equipping students with the tools they need to lead and innovate in any STEAM field they choose to pursue in higher education.
Key Components
A range of Advanced Placement (AP) Courses across the STEAM fields to provide college-level coursework and the opportunity to earn university credits.
Interdisciplinary Project Work that requires students to apply concepts from multiple STEAM disciplines to develop a new piece of technology, propose solutions to environmental challenges, or integrate digital arts with engineering.
Mentorship and Research opportunities with mentors from universities and industries who can provide guidance on advanced research projects that can be submitted to scientific journals or presented at conferences.
Workshops that focus on advanced topics in coding, robotics, digital arts, scientific research methods, and engineering design. A speaker series with professionals and academics can inspire students and provide insights into various careers.
Outcomes
Success in AP exams relevant to their STEAM studies.
Portfolio of interdisciplinary projects that stand out on innovation, application of STEAM concepts, and effectiveness of solution
AFFILIATIONS & COLLABORATORS
THINNOX STEAM School has a network of affiliates and collaborators in a whole host of areas ranging from career excellence, career planning, mental and physical wellbeing, campus placement, campus care, immigration assistance and onboarding to provide a rich, resourceful environment that extends learning beyond the classroom and into real-world contexts. These partnerships help bridge the gap between high school and college, and even extend into industry, enriching the program and offering students unique opportunities to learn, grow, and prepare for the future. Here’s an outline of potential affiliates and collaborators for such a program. For details regarding THINNOX affiliates and collaborators in education, industry, science labs and NGOs talk to a THINNOX Counsellor.
Career Integration
The THINNOX STEAM Career Pathways Integration Module offers a strategic approach to career preparation, ensuring that students are well-equipped with the necessary tools to navigate the competitive landscape of STEAM careers. It provides a structured pathway from education to employment, emphasizing both skill acquisition and professional development. It is a comprehensive, multi-modular, multi-course program designed to integrate career exploration, professional skills development, industry engagement and career readiness directly into the STEAM curriculum of the overall STEAM program. By electing this module, students gain a clear understanding of various career paths in STEAM fields and acquire practical skills and experiences that enhance their employability and readiness for post-secondary education or direct entry into the workforce.
Objectives:
- To provide students with a thorough understanding of career opportunities in the STEAM fields.
- To develop essential professional skills such as communication, teamwork, problem-solving, and project management.
- To engage students with industry professionals and real-world projects to apply their STEAM knowledge in practical settings.
- To encourage ongoing reflection and refinement of career goals and educational plans.
Components:
Career Exploration Modules:
STEAM Career Exploration Modules introduce students to a variety of careers within each STEAM discipline, featuring guest speakers, career day events, and informational interviews.
Implementation: Each academic year includes several modules focused on different aspects of STEAM careers, incorporating both emerging fields and traditional disciplines.
Internship Opportunities:
Description: Partnerships with local businesses, nonprofits, and government agencies to provide students with internships or cooperative education experiences.
Implementation: Students participate in at least one internship related to their field of interest, ideally in their junior or senior year, to gain hands-on experience and professional networking opportunities.
Project-Based Learning:
Description: Curriculum development that includes capstone projects simulating real-world problems, where students must apply interdisciplinary STEAM knowledge to create viable solutions.
Implementation: Projects are integrated throughout the curriculum and culminate in a major capstone project that involves external stakeholders and industry feedback.
Professional Skills Workshops:
Description: Workshops that focus on resume writing, interview skills, professional etiquette, digital literacy, and other essential workplace competencies.
Implementation: Regular workshops scheduled throughout the school year, often led by industry professionals or career counselors.
Resume Writing and Interview Preparation Workshops:
Description: Workshops designed to teach students how to craft a compelling resume and cover letter, and to effectively prepare for job interviews.
Implementation: These workshops are led by career counselors and HR professionals from partner organizations, ensuring students receive up-to-date advice and feedback.
Mentorship Program:
Description: A mentorship scheme pairing students with STEAM professionals who provide guidance, career advice, and insight into their daily work and career progression.
Implementation: Students are matched with mentors starting in their sophomore year, continuing through high school to provide sustained insight and support.
Industry Days and Field Trips:
Description: Scheduled visits to companies, research institutions, and higher education facilities that offer STEAM programs.
Implementation: Organized trips that allow students to see STEAM applications in action, enhancing their understanding of the work environment and technological advancements.
This multi-modular program not only prepares students for successful careers in various STEAM fields by providing substantial practical experience but also helps them build impressive resumes that stand out in college applications and job searches. It fosters a strong foundation in both technical and soft skills, enhancing their employability and readiness for professional challenges.
AFFILIATIONS & COLLABORATORS
THINNOX STEAM School has a network of affiliates and collaborators in a whole host of areas ranging from career excellence, career planning, mental and physical wellbeing, campus placement, campus care, immigration assistance and onboarding to provide a rich, resourceful environment that extends learning beyond the classroom and into real-world contexts. These partnerships help bridge the gap between high school and college, and even extend into industry, enriching the program and offering students unique opportunities to learn, grow, and prepare for the future. Here’s an outline of potential affiliates and collaborators for such a program. For details regarding THINNOX affiliates and collaborators in education, industry, science labs and NGOs talk to a THINNOX Counsellor.
SCHOLARSHIPS & BURSARIES
Scholarships:
THINNOX MERIT SCHOLARSHIPS are awarded based on a student’s academic achievements and extracurricular involvement in STEAM-related activities. See application process below.
THINNOX STEAM GRANTS are given to students who demonstrate financial need and are often combined with merit criteria. See application process below.
THINNOX YOUTH LEADERSHIP GRANTS are for students with outstanding merit achievements who have demonstrated track record of youth leadership in particular areas of STEAM, such as robotics, computer science, or bioengineering.
Bursaries:
Unlike scholarships, THINNOX offers several bursaries and need-based financial assistance programs meant to ensure that students facing financial difficulties can afford school expenses such as tuition, books, and supplies.
Applying for Scholarships and Bursaries
Start Early: Apply early in the academic year. Many scholarships have early deadlines, and preparation time is key.
Research Extensively: Utilize every available resource, including our school counselors to write a strong grant/scholarship statement.
Tailor Applications: In your grant/scholarship statement highlight how your interests and achievements align with the criteria of the scholarship or bursary.
Strong Recommendations: Obtain recommendation letters from at least 2 teachers and/or mentors who can speak to your abilities and potential in STEAM disciplines.
Maintain Excellent Grades: As many awards are merit-based, it is crucial your high school/middle school grades reflect the high academic standards.
Document Extracurricular Activities: Keep a detailed record of all extracurricular involvement, especially those related to STEAM, as these are often pivotal in applications.
Be Patient: As most THINNOX scholarships are merit based, if you fail to qualify for applicable scholarships or bursaries for the first time, apply again.
Application
Use this form to apply and upload your grant / scholarship statement and other relevant income documents.
