This program enables students to begin an intense academic program in their freshman year with special emphasis in the areas of science, technology, engineering, and mathematics. With concentrations in Engineering, Biomedicine, and Sports Medicine, students have the opportunity to delve into their interests before transitioning to college. Catholic High's Medical Coordinator, a Medical Doctor, plans and teaches courses in the Biomedical concentration. Courses include Histology and Pathology only offered at TCHS. The Engineering Coordinator, a Lead Engineer, plans and teaches courses in the Engineering concentration. Courses include Design and Analysis and Bioengineering.
Program Overview
Catholic High's recognized four-year project-based experiential STEM Program inspires future generations of young women to pursue exciting, rewarding and well-paying careers needed for the future growth of our nation in areas traditionally not previously available to them. Knowledge learned in STEM disciplines, the acquisition of advanced skills through hands-on, project-centered methods of inquiry will propel our students to succeed in colleges, universities and jobs of their choice. Engineering courses are taught in our state-of-the-art Joanne Liberatore Kramer Engineering Room and the Theresa F. Truschel Robotics Lab. Medical courses prepare students with real-world acquisition skills due to the usage of the Jesse James Hinson, Jr. Biomedical Clinical Simulation Lab.
STEM Partnerships
The STEM Program is pleased to offer its students in-field experience with our new partners, LifeBridge Health – ExpressCare Urgent Care Centers and The Whiting-Turner Contracting Company. Catholic High’s students continue to be one step ahead of other high school students when applying for college and jobs in the STEM field.
Concentrations
Engineering - The Engineering concentration includes curriculum in Physics, Chemistry, Biology, two additional advanced sciences; NASA Engineering, Computer Engineering; Algebra II, Geometry; AB/BC Calculus; and a Senior Capstone Project. Classwork in the Lab includes, VEX and Lego robotics, Sea-Perch Underwater robotics, model building design & construction, model rocket design & construction, reverse engineering and redesign of commercial products. Our curriculum and instruction are continually updated to meet technological advancements and the ever-changing academic and work environment. Seniors engineering students receive real-world experience through our partnerships with The Whiting-Turner Contracting Company.
Biomedicine - The Biomedicine concentration allows young women to explore rigorous directed content, in the medical sciences, not available in most high school environments. Through a combination of course work, field experiences, and speakers, students explore a wide variety of college majors and post college careers. This concentration actively builds partnerships with hospitals and health care providers. Students make use of the Biomedical Clinical Simulation Lab which is home to many mid-fidelity mannequins that simulate real world experiences. The Biomedicine concentration provides opportunities for Senior students to participate in a two-week medical field experience with world class doctors and clinicians with LifeBridge Health Partner ExpressCare Urgent Care Centers and Sinai Hospital. Students acquire competency skills used in Health Care Facilities and receive certificates of completion that can be used when applying to colleges and universities.
Sports Medicine - Catholic High’s Sports Medicine Concentration is for students interested in careers in Sports Medicine, Athletic Training, Orthopedics, Exercise Physiology, Kinesiotherapy, Physiatry, and Physical Therapy. Students interested in these fields will be able to use our Training and Exercise Facility in our Gymnasium.
Requirements for Acceptance
Acceptance into the STEM Program is based on the following criteria. Students must:
- Complete the STEM Application (Students may apply for two different concentrations within the STEM Program. Applicants must submit a separate application for each concentration they are applying.)
- Score high in the areas of mathematics and science on standardized testing and the High School Placement Test.
- Maintain a cumulative GPA of 3.0 or higher.
- Complete Algebra I before the start of freshman year