STEM3 Academy

STEM3 Academy is the newest school at The Help Group, a Los Angeles-based nonprofit dedicated to serving children, adolescents and young adults with special needs related to autism spectrum disorder, learning disabilities, ADHD, developmental delays, abuse and emotional problems. Scheduled to open in August 2015, STEM3 Academy is for bright, curious, technology-driven high school students. The Academy is designed to prepare students for meaningful careers in engineering, technology, cyber-security, biomedical, programing and IT. Our name, STEM3 Academy, is derived from our thrice exceptional students – they are bright, have social and learning differences, and have a passion and gift for STEM-related fields. Approximately 20% of the population has a social or learning difference such as dyslexia, ADHD or autism. Some studies report as many as 85% of adults with these challenges are either underemployed or unemployed. However, with more than 8.65 million STEM jobs available by 2018 and a 28% increase in the number of students with disabilities enrolled in undergraduate STEM fields, we know that there is a place for our students in tomorrow’s workforce. STEM3 Academy’s mission is to connect the particular strengths of students on the autism spectrum with an innovative and rigorous STEM curriculum that positions students for future success.