At DSST Public Schools, preparing students for college isn't just about academics; it's about opening doors to careers that can change students’ futures. That's where DSST STEM Pathways come in.
Across DSST's eight high schools, students can dive deep into specialized STEM fields through four distinct pathways: Bioscience, Computer Science, Engineering, and Entrepreneurship. Each school offers different elective classes as part of a comprehensive program designed to give students real-world skills, college-level knowledge and a competitive edge as they pursue their dreams.
For many DSST students, the STEM Pathways program is the first time they've been able to see themselves as engineers, entrepreneurs, computer scientists, or healthcare leaders. These are invaluable opportunities and at DSST, our programming allows students to start exploring as early as possible.
Our middle school students participate in the STEM Lab program, where they get a taste of each pathway through hands-on exploration. They get the opportunity to program drones to navigate obstacle courses, design solutions on 3D modeling software, or build robotic systems that respond to their commands, among other things. This continuity ensures that by the time students reach ninth grade, they're ready to commit to a pathway that aligns with their interests and goals.
Students who complete at least 30 credits in one of the four pathways receive a DSST STEM Certificate. This school year alone, 504 students completed a STEM Certificate!
Each pathway offers a unique lens into a high-demand STEM field:
- Bioscience: Students explore anatomy, genetics, medical ethics, and more.
- Computer Science: From coding to cybersecurity, students gain the technical skills needed to thrive in our increasingly digital world.
- Engineering: Hands-on problem-solving meets innovation as students design, build and test solutions to real-world challenges.
- Entrepreneurship: Students learn to turn ideas into action, developing business plans, pitching concepts and understanding what it takes to lead.
While each DSST high school offers pathway courses tailored to its community and resources, the overarching goal remains the same: to give students the tools they need to succeed in college and beyond.
DSST's commitment to college success is well-documented: 100% of graduates have been admitted to college or a postsecondary program since 2008. The STEM Pathways program strengthens that success by equipping students with specialized skills that translate directly into college majors, internships and careers.
Whether a student is applying to engineering programs, pursuing pre-med tracks, launching a startup, or entering the tech industry, their STEM Certificate signals to colleges and employers that they've gone beyond the basics, and they're ready for what's next.
Each DSST high school offers a unique set of courses and opportunities within the four pathways. Are you interested in learning more about the STEM Pathways available at your school? Click here to connect with your school directly and or take some time to explore course options here.