All about the STEM Advancement Program

Your one stop for information about STEM advancement and activities

Program Overview

The NOVA Awards program incorporates learning with cool activities and exposure to science, technology, engineering and mathematics for Cub Scouts, Scouts, Venturers, and Sea Scouts. The hope is that the requirements and activities for earning these awards stimulates interest in STEM-related fields and shows how STEM topics apply to everyday living and the world around them. Counselors and mentors help bring this engaging, contemporary, and fun program to life for youth members.

The Nova Awards

Each Nova award covers one component of STEM - science, technology, engineering, or mathematics. For their first Nova award, Scouts earn the distinctive Nova award patch. After that, a Scout can earn three more Nova awards, each one recognized with a separate pi (π) pin-on device that attaches to the patch. The patch and the three devices represent each of the four STEM topics: science, technology, engineering, and mathematics.  Below, you can follow the link for a list of Nova awards and requirements by program-level, as well as request a counselor if your unit does not have a local

volunteer.  

Nova Award Requirements   Request a Nova Counselor

 

Please note that the Scout Shop and Supply Division do not currently have stock of either the Nova Award patch or pi device.  In the interim, please follow the tab below to fill out a request fro Northern Star Scouting to reach back out to you once a recognition option is available.   

   Nova Award Request Form 

 

Looking to integrate Nova awards into your unit's regular meeting schedule?  Check out the guides below for information and examples on how to conduct your own program:

Cub Scout Packs   Scouts BSA Troops   Venturing Crews/ Sea Scout Ships

The Supernova Awards

The Supernova awards have more rigorous requirements than the Nova awards. The requirements and activities are designed to motivate youth and recognize more in-depth, advanced achievement in STEM-related activities.  Below, you can follow the link for a list of Supernova awards and requirements by program-level, as well as request a mentor if your unit does not have a local volunteer.  

Supernova Award Requirements   Request a Supernova Mentor

BECOMING A Nova Counselor

Are you interested in helping your Scouts explore STEM topics, or supplement your unit programming with STEM activites? If so, we need your help in supporting area Scouts seeking to earn Nova awards. Counselors serve as a guide for Scouts pursuing these entry-level STEM awards. There is no need for a counselor to work in a STEM-related field, but it is asked that counsleors be willing to work with Scouts in exploring the STEM topics covered in the award tracks. Nova Counselors are registered at the unit-level. Here are some further details on the steps to become registered: 

  • Must be age 21 or older.
  • Must have current Youth Protection Training. 
  • Must complete the STEM Nova Counselor Learning Plan listed below.   
  • Register as a Nova Counselor (position code 58) using the BSA Adult Application.

BECOMING A SUPERNOVA MENTOR

Are you a subject matter expert in a STEM-related field, such as an engineer, chemist, or medical professional? If so, we need your help in supporting area Scouts seeking to earn Supernova Awards. As the next step in the STEM advancement program, Supernova Awards require that Scouts take a deeper dive into specific STEM topics. With the increased invovlvement of the awards track, we encourage that Supernova Mentors have a strong vocational or avocational background in a STEM field. Supernova Mentors are registered at the council-level, and require the following to be registered:

  • Must be age 21 or older.
  • Must have current Youth Protection Training. 
  • Must complete the Supernova Mentor Learning Plan listed below. 
  • Submit a copy of the Supernova Mentor information form.    
  • Register as a Supernova Mentor (position code 52) using the BSA Adult Application. 

Nova/Supernova Counselor Learning Plan (Training)

The learning modules below replace the training that was available through My.Scouting.org. Each of the modules is a PowerPoint file that can be downloaded, and retained for reference.  

What is STEM? STEM Nova and Supernova   

How to Teach a Nova Award Part 1   How to Teach a Nova Award Part 2

Dr. Albert Einstein Supernova Award (Supernova Mentors Only)

 

Nova/SupernOVA Mentor RENEWAL PROCESS

Each year, we communicate with all Nova and Supernova Mentors to confirm our records. All Nova and Supernova Mentors who have lapsed in Youth Protection Training will be removed and communicated with via email about how to reregister.

Effective starting August 1, 2023, National BSA will require all Nova and Supernova Mentors who are not already in a paid registration with the BSA to register and pay an annual membership fee of $25. This annual fee applies only to Nova and Supernova Mentors who are not already paid leaders. Any primarily registered Nova and Supernova Mentors who have a current registration prior to July 31, 2023 will not have to pay the fee until after their current registration expires in 2024. All paid registrations will be for a 12 month period from the date of registration.

HOW TO STOP BEING A Nova/SuperNova COUNSELOR

We're sorry to see you go, but if you decide that you can no longer be a counselor please call and talk to one of our registrars to expire your membership at 612-261-2370.

 

Contact us

John McDermid

Activities Director (General and Program Inquiries)
612-261-2329

Riley Firman

Field Assistant (Nova Counselor and Supernova Mentor Registration)
612-261-2370
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