OSIT's Vision
Our vision is that every student in Nevada will have access and opportunities to experience a high-quality science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM) education, with the ultimate objective that students are prepared to thrive in the New Nevada economy. Key to realizing this vision is the effort to encourage all schools, with a particular focus on reaching underrepresented groups, to adopt practices that engage and expose students to real-world problem solving, creative design, innovation, critical thinking, and career opportunities through STEM-focused formal and informal education.
OSIT is charged with identifying and awarding recognition to not more than 15 schools in Nevada each year that demonstrate exemplary performance in STEM. These schools are designated as Governor’s STEM Schools and are recognized at an annual recognition event held in Carson City. Designation as a Governor's STEM School denotes that the school meets the highest standards of STEM instruction and is a model for schools around the state. Designations may be used to promote the school.
The mission of the Governor Designated STEM School program is to increase student interest and achievement in the fields of science, engineering, technology, and mathematics, leading students to fulfilling careers in the New Nevada economy.
Apply for the Designation
The Nevda STEM Framework
Also included in the above Designation Action Guide & Application-2024 is the Nevada STEM Framework which contains attributes of a Nevada STEM school. Each attribute contains sub-attributes and descriptors for how the attribute presents across the continuum of schools: exploratory, developing, established, and model. The framework was developed to meet Nevada’s STEM needs and encompass research-based elements of high-quality, successful STEM schools. The Framework can be used as a self-assessment or as a tool to expand STEM education.
(Re-)Designation Application Workshops
Join OSIT for a 6-workshop series this Fall to gain insight into the Nevada STEM Framework and assistance with the Governor Designated STEM School application. During each workshop, participants will learn about part of the Framework, hear from STEM school leaders and advocates, and brainstorm artifacts with other aspiring STEM school leaders. Participants can complete their application as they complete the series. This series is recommended for any K-12 schools in Nevada interested in STEM or becoming designated, for any schools interested in moving up in their designation rating, and for any schools going through the re-designation process. All workshops will occur 4-5pm on Zoom. Register via the links below!
- 8/31/23 Category 1, The School: Mission/Vision, Leadership, Schedule, Budget
- 9/14/23 Category 1, The School: An Explicit Focus on Equity
- 9/28/23 Category 2, The Classroom: Problem-Based Learning
- 10/19/23 Category 2, The Classroom: Technology
- 11/02/23 Category 2, The Classroom: Culture and Mindset, Assessment
- 11/16/23 Category 2, The Classroom: College and Career Readiness and Category 3, The Community: Family Engagement; Business, Industry and Community Engagement; Student Engagement with the Community
Clark County School District schools have a cohort option. Learn more and sign up HERE.
Governor's Designated STEM Schools
MODEL STEM SCHOOLS:
Doris French Elementary School - Las Vegas
Lied STEM Academy - Las Vegas
McCaw STEAM Academy – Henderson
Southwest Career & Technical Academy - Las Vegas
ESTABLISHED STEM SCHOOLS:
Advanced Technologies Academy - Las Vegas
Dorothy Lemelson STEM Academy - Reno
Empire Elementary School - Carson City
Incline High School – Incline Village
J. Marlan Walker Elementary School - Henderson
Joseph Neal STEAM Academy - Las Vegas
Kate Smith Elementary School - Sparks
Leavitt Middle School - Las Vegas
Northwest Career and Technical Academy- Las Vegas
Roger Gehring Academy of Science and Technology - Las Vegas
Walter Bracken STEAM Academy - Las Vegas
DEVELOPING STEM SCHOOLS:
100 Academy School of Engineering and Technology, Las Vegas
Berkeley L. Bunker Elementary School, Las Vegas
Carlin Combined School - Carlin
Carson Montessori Charter School - Carson City
Clark High School - Las Vegas
Coral Academy of Science - Henderson
D.L. “Dusty” Dickens Elementary School – North Las Vegas
David E. Norman Elementary School, Ely
Frank Lamping Elementary School - Henderson
Hyde Park Middle School - Las Vegas
Incline Elementary School – Incline Village
Jim Bridger Middle school - North Las Vegas
Oasis Academy – Fallon
O'Callaghan Middle School i3 Learn Academy- Las Vegas
Pinecrest Academy of Nevada Cadence - Henderson
Pinecrest Academy of Nevada Inspirada - Henderson
Pinecrest Academy of Nevada St. Rose - Las Vegas
Riverview Elementary School - Dayton
Smithridge STEM Academy Elementary School - Reno
Theron & Naomi Goynes Elementary School - North Las Vegas
Map of Designated STEM Schools