STEM to Stern Careers Program
Nauticus is proud to offer STEM to Stern Careers, a fully funded, immersive maritime STEM program connecting fourth and fifth-grade students across Hampton Roads to the real-world careers that power our region.
Research shows that students exposed to STEM learning at an early age are far more likely to pursue opportunities in science, technology, engineering, and math in high school, college, and future careers. This exposure is especially important for students from underserved communities, where access to hands-on STEM experiences and career exploration opportunities is often limited. STEM to Stern Careers helps close that gap by introducing students to the high-growth maritime industries that surround them every day in Hampton Roads and showing them that these careers are both accessible and achievable.
Students explore exciting career pathways through choice-based programs. Along the way, they discover how science, technology, engineering, and math are used every day throughout the maritime industry.
STEM to Stern Carers is designed to spark curiosity, strengthen STEM identity, and show students that, from GED to PhD, high-value maritime careers are possible right here in Hampton Roads.
Part of this STEM programming was made possible by the Virginia General Assembly for COVA STEM Ecosystem for regional activities and programming. Would you like to help make this experience possible for more students?
Applications for the 25/26 school year are currently closed.
STEM to Stern careers program FAQs
The program currently serves Norfolk Public School students at Compass Academy at Ruffner, Southside STEM Academy at Campostella, Crossroads School, and Lake Taylor School.
The program covers the cost of a pre- and post-Nauticus outreach program, bus transportation to/from Nauticus, lunch, and all on‑site educational experiences. This is a fully funded program with no cost to the school or students.
If you teach fourth or fifth grade at a Title I school in Portsmouth, Virginia Beach, or Newport News and are interested in bringing this program to your class, please email nathan.sandel@norfolk.gov.
