Over the five years we have been open, we have grown into an academically competitive campus. We currently have two grades enrolled in dual credit, as well as two accelerated English classes. We also accelerated 2/3 of last years 7th-grade class into Algebra One this year, as well as many accelerated freshmen and sophomores. When it comes to extracurricular activities, we entered the majority of our 4th-10th graders into Academic UIL competitions with much success, have multiple Destination Imagination teams, which in the previous two years have won 1st and 2nd at our regional competitions, and First Lego and First Tech Challenge, both of which have done very well at past competitions. We also have a TAME program, which has sent many kids to state the past few years. We have also sent many students to TXSEF. In 2017, we sent 3 students. In 2018, we sent 4 students, and this year we sent 6 students.

The Project Lead The Way Pathways STEM offers in high school are also very successful. With no other schools in the Permian Basin offering this type of program, STEM has been in high demand in recent years. Many students are extremely excited to begin their Pathway next year, as well as continue the one they have already begun. These Pathways allow students to gain experience and skills that they can apply to future careers and college classes. Our 1:1 technology program has also allowed our students to become familiar with the programs college campuses use, allowing students to easily transition into college courses.

UTPB STEM Academy also boasts the only Project Based Learning program in the Permian Basin. This learning style allows students to engage with topics on a fundamental level, providing them with a deep understanding and giving them soft skills that they will use in future careers. When students are allowed to interact with concepts, it fosters curiosity and provides them with reasoning skills that are applicable to almost any aspect of life. Our scores on STAAR and EOC exams show just how successful this program is.

While our academic achievements are not to be discounted, one of the things people love about STEM is our atmosphere. Throughout these five years students, parents, and teachers have poured their heart and soul into our school. We have stuck with the STEM Academy through its ups and downs, and we have become a family. This year we lost a 5th-grade student (Jevin) to a horse riding accident, and the response was astounding. Our community immediately got to work, providing support for the family and sharing the #pinkforjevin message throughout our city. The entire school wore pink (his favorite color) and built a bench to commemorate him. When a child contracted cancer, we sold T-shirts and donated the proceeds to the family. 

The UTPB STEM Academy is more than just a school to its members. It is a family and a home. It’s a place where students can feel safe and learn in an environment that they love. Nowhere else in the Permian Basin can offer what UTPB STEM offers because it isn’t just a school. It's a community of caring and dedicated parents, teachers, and students. I cannot imagine my life without the UTPB STEM Academy, and I don’t want to.