Ridge’s newest program in the school is called the STEAM Academy, similar to the field of STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Math) but having an additional “art” field in there as the “A.” Groups of students are selected at the end of eighth grade to be part of one of three categories: engineering, biomedical, or computer science. They are then given electives that non-STEAM members might not have the chance to take, such as Computer Science Principles or Intro to BioMed. However, electives of STEAM members are fixed, not allowing them the flexibility of taking the electives they want. With the growing STEM field, Ridge is preparing its students to be familiar with these topics.

Some have voiced the concern that STEAM separates students from others instead of giving them a way to pursue their interests. They claim that instead of elevating Ridge and allowing students to take opportunities, STEAM causes a rift between them. Because STEAM students are not in the same electives as other students, some worry that the program will impact social relationships.

However, this is simply not true. STEAM members share the same academic classes as non-academy members, and are able to socialize with others even if their electives do not match. The academy doesn’t prevent STEAM members from seeing their friends; it’s the same as taking electives that one’s friends don’t take. One will still be able to see his or her friends and talk just as much.

As STEAM member Peter Skourlis ’20 states, “It’s still easy to talk with other students, so it really doesn’t separate students.”

Some talk about how STEAM is an accelerated course, and those who aren’t in it would be jealous that others are having the experience of a lifetime. However, STEAM is not accelerated at all. It gives those interested in STEM in-depth material about their topic, similar to electives such as Intro to Law.

According to Libah Farooqi ’20, “[Being in STEAM] also makes a good conversation starter.” STEAM may actually increase your social life while also helping your future.

Ridge is constantly creating new programs to assist students in the growing field of STEM. First came AP Computer Science, and now a bold new leap towards STEAM Academy. This is the first time that Ridge implemented such a program, and we can expect more in the future. The growing technology age needs new programs to match its development. Not only does STEAM prepare students for jobs in science, technology, engineering, and computers, it also helps them socialize.