Advancing Skills and Knowledge Through A Comprehensive STEM Curriculum

Brian Young, Director of STEM Academy, Morristown High School

Brian Young serves as the Director of the STEM Academy at Morristown High School. He oversees the development and implementation of science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM) programs for students. He is responsible for curriculum design, teacher training and fostering partnerships with local businesses and organizations to enhance students’ learning experiences. Brian is passionate about promoting STEM education and preparing students for future careers in these fields.

Achieving Future-Ready Workforce through Strategic Education

The presence of a strong academic program is essential for students as it provides them with a solid foundation of knowledge and critical thinking skills necessary for personal and professional success. This can be done by building strong partnerships with local industries and post-secondary institutions like colleges, universities and trade schools. These collaborations will ensure the curriculum remains current with industry trends and technological advancements.

Morristown High School is a comprehensive four-year secondary school located in a vibrant cosmopolitan suburb of Morristown. The Academy takes pride in not just asking students what they want to do or be when they leave high school, but more importantly, what problems do you want to solve.

The high school's staff of 167 educators ensures that the curriculum and the academic model, featuring six pathways—biomedicine, architecture, engineering, computer science, environmental sustainability, and mathematics—is relevant for students’ long-term careers and equips them to tackle real-world challenges effectively.

This starts with aligning the education program to the New Jersey Department of Education and national career technology education (CTE) programs’ learning standards. Strong connections are also established with stakeholders like local industries and post-secondary institutions to provide real-world work experiences and skills needed for professional success.

Building Partnerships and Fostering Student Success

As the Director of the STEM Academy at Morristown High School, Brain Young oversees K-12 STEM education across the district. His primary focus is on the academy developed within Morristown High School, where he manages student curriculum programs, application processes, evaluations, and overall program direction. He also fosters partnerships with post-secondary institutions and professional mentors to enhance the academy's offerings and opportunities for students.

Under Young’s guidance, Morristown High School has developed robust networks with universities and local businesses. Organizations like Pfizer, Johnson & Johnson, Novartis and BASF are also part of its professional partnership. Companies like Atlantic Health, along with Morristown Memorial Hospital, have supported its healthcare programs of occupational therapy, allied health and biomedicine.

“The curriculum and the academic model, featuring six pathways—biomedicine, architecture, engineering, computer science, environmental sustainability, and mathematics—is relevant for students’ long-term careers and equips them to tackle real-world challenges effectively."

In the engineering field, the school partners with Langan Engineering and Picatinny Arsenal. It also collaborates with the NK Architects and ACE Mentor Program for aspiring architects.

The school emphasizes on hosting a chapter of the Technology Student Association (TSA) and the National Society of Black Engineers (NSBE). Chapters like Girls Who Code and Girls of STEM along with an all-girls engineering program are also inducted to empower females. It also provides hands-on learning experiences by collaborating with sustainable farms like Girl at Greenwich.

Morristown High School maintains dual enrollment programs with several higher education institutions, such as Rutgers University, Montclair State University, New Jersey Institute of Technology (NJIT), Princeton University, the Stanford Design School and the County College of Morris. These partnerships provide students with opportunities to earn college credits and gain exposure to higher education environments while still in high school.

Over the years, these partnerships have resulted in many student success stories within the STEM Academy. For example, its Technology Student Association (TSA) team recently won first place in digital video production at the National TSA Conference in Orlando. Three of its aerospace engineering and rocketry students achieved their level one flying certification. Its Health Occupation Students of America (HOSA) group qualified for the state competition. The school’s National Society of Black Engineers (NSBE) chapter competed at the national convention in Atlanta, Georgia. Its rocketry team has previously qualified for Arlington's national Team America Rocketry Challenge (TARC).

Advice to Peers

There is a need to build a successful, student-centered academic program with skill sets applicable to the real world. The program must have at least seven steps or pillars. The first step to building this program is to have a diverse curriculum that is integrated and aligned with industry STEM standards to ensure that different skill sets are used across subject areas. The second step involves extending students' purpose and passion beyond the curriculum through co-curricular experiences, which enhances their learning outside the classroom.

The third step focuses on developing an academic-style learning experience where students have the freedom throughout the day to work on projects, conduct independent research, and participate in integrated courses. The next step is to emphasize the importance of professional partnerships with careers, post-secondary institutions, and professional organizations.

The fifth pillar is to bring faculties who are certified in certain areas, have industrial experience, and bring real-life relevance to the classroom. The sixth step is a mentorship program and professional connections where students extend their learning to industries and post-secondary programs to develop their skills further.

The seventh and final pillar focuses on instilling in students a passionate purpose. It is essential to help students figure out what they are passionate about and what problems they want to solve rather than just studying. This approach encourages students to engage in humanistic problem-solving and develop empathy, a crucial skill for their future careers.

Aerospace

Healthcare