Danville Public Schools is increasing students’ opportunities for STEM and career exploration through new and re-imagined programming that was announced on Thursday. DPS’ AIM STEM and Career Academies will prepare students to be career ready through increased career and technical education programs and STEM Academies for grades K-12.

With occupations in the STEM field increasing in Virginia, these new programs will allow DPS students to meet the demands of the region’s workforce. At the elementary level, added career exploration for all students during special classes will allow for early exposure.

Exploration will begin in kindergarten and vary by grade level. The addition of a STEM and Career Academy for grades 3-5 will allow students to dive deeper into these concepts. At the middle school level, all students in grades 6-8 will have the opportunity to investigate several STEM & Career pathways to serve as a bridge to foster from the elementary introduction of schools to intensive training in high school.

At the high school level, in addition to current career programs, several new offerings will be added and provide more choices to students, including skilled trades, agriscience, and more. New laboratory classrooms will meet the hands-on needs of career clusters/pathways set to be completed in 2025. As a part of this new build, the added Motiv8 Academy will focus on Environmental and Manufacturing Sciences.