What is STEM?
Do you like to build stuff? Do you ever wonder why things are the way they are? Are you the kind of person who likes to dream up things no one's ever seen before?
Then you're already a STEM student.
STEM stands for "Science, Technology, Engineering and Math." It covers a group of academic and career fields that are important for understanding the world around us, solving tough problems and forging a stronger, brighter future.
At the STEM Collective, we aim to bridge the gap between education and career by connecting students, teachers and parents with resources and real-world STEM professionals.
Our goal is to help you become the best, smartest version of yourself - because when you grow, we all grow.
Where do I start?
Navigating STEM as a student or parent can be tough. In Tuscaloosa City Schools (TCS) alone, there are over 20 STEM pathways available - each with their own classes, certifications and requirements.
This site is designed to help you find the right STEM career for you and navigate all of the requirements needed to follow that path.
From here, you have two routes:
1. You can CHOOSE A CLUSTER to explore related careers in a field.
OR
2. You can FIND YOUR PATHWAY to dive right into courses and certifications.
ELEVATE Dual Enrollment
Beginning fall 2025, eligible TCS students can take up to nine courses through The University of Alabama’s Early College program at no cost. That’s equivalent to a full year of college, with tuition, fees and textbooks fully covered.
To qualify, students must:
- Attend a TCS high school at least one year prior to taking courses as part of the Elevate Dual Enrollment Scholarship program
- Live in the Tuscaloosa City Schools’ residential attendance zones (or be the dependent of a TCS employee)
- Be in grade 10, 11, or 12
- Meet institutions’ minimum grade point average requirements.
CHOOSE YOUR CLUSTER
Most kids don't know what they want to be when they grow up - but they do know what captures their imaginations.
Choose the cluster that best fits you and explore STEM pathways in that field.
FARM & FOOD
Do you like taking care of plants and animals? Do you like cooking? Maybe a career in agriculture and food is right for you.
CONSTRUCTION
Do you spend a lot of time playing with LEGOs or building things in Minecraft or ROBLOX? Perhaps a career in construction is a good fit for you.
HUMAN SERVICES
Do you like helping people? Do you look up to people like teachers and firefighters? Maybe you should look into human services as a career.
ARTS
Do you love to draw or color? Do you watch reels or Tiktoks and dream of becoming a creator? A career in the arts could be a good fit for you.
HEALTH SERVICES
Do you look up to doctors and nurses? Or are you an athlete who'd like to help others play their best? You might do well in health services.
BUSINESS
When you play with friends, do you like keeping score or playing referee? Do you like solving math and logic problems? Maybe a career in business is right for you.
SCIENCE, TECHNOLOGY, ENGINEERING AND MATH (STEM)
Do you like solving tough puzzles? Do you like building things no one's ever seen? Does technology excite you? Then a career in general STEM might be perfect for you.
FIND YOUR PATHWAY
Already know what you want to be when you grow up?
Tap a pathway to explore all of the classes, certifications, college options and jobs available to you.
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