STEM Program » STEM Program

STEM Program

The Dorman High School STEM Program is a comprehensive, accelerated honors program focusing on integrated science, technology, engineering, and mathematics instruction. Our program strives to enhance key skills in students such as initiative, critical thinking, adaptation, collaboration, problem-solving, resiliency, leadership, and communication by offering exciting, rigorous classes throughout all 4 years at DFC & DHS such as many Project Based Learning opportunities, research and internship experiences, engineering processes, along with Advanced Placement and Dual-Enrollment courses.

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The STEM 4-Year Plan
Students apply to the DHS STEM program in the spring of their 8th-grade year. If accepted, they will complete 11 STEM courses while also earning credits towards a South Carolina high school diploma. Students who earn all 11 STEM credits will graduate from the accredited Dorman STEM program and Dorman High School. 
9th Grade
STEM Foundations - Students investigate how to do long-term scientific research, write APA formatted scientific research papers, and present & defend scientific research - 1 STEM credit (honors)
STEM Biology 1 - Students learn SC Biology 1 standards and take the SC Biology EOC in addition to continuing research projects - 1 STEM credit (honors)
10th Grade
STEM Humanities - Students investigate historical events and how they relate to STEM as well as research their own historical or social scientific influence on history. - 2 STEM credits (honors ELA & honors Social Studies)
11th & 12th Grades
STEM Research Internship - Students leave campus and conduct 50+ hours of scientific research alongside a community professional. This research is presented at the STEM Research Symposium each May. - 1 STEM credit (honors)
STEM Course Guide
Visit the following links to access the full list of courses offered at Dorman High School and for high school plus STEM credit. Eleven credits must be completed to earn a STEM cord and seal upon graduation from Dorman High School.
 
 
Interested in Applying to the DHS STEM Program?
Watch the video & read below to learn more about starting the application process.
 
Dorman High School STEM Application Process:
The DHS STEM application process is thoroughly explained to 8th-grade students and parents in the spring of each year. Check this website beginning in January of your or your child's 8th-grade year for updated information.
 
The deadline for submitting a STEM application for the 2024-2025 school year has passed. Please check back in January 2025 for more 2025-2026
DHS STEM application information
 
 
 
Why STEM? Testimonials from past STEM graduates and parents
 
 
Becoming a DHS STEM Program Partner
The Dorman High School STEM Program is excited to be able to partner with many businesses, companies, organizations, and institutions of higher education located in several communities throughout the Upstate of South Carolina. Our partners serve different roles within our program such as serving on our DHS STEM Advisory Board, hosting high school STEM research interns, attending STEM events at Dorman, mentoring STEM students, advising curriculum design, and/or providing field trip opportunities. If you or your company is interested in partnering with the DHS STEM Program, please contact us using the link below. Thank you and GO CAVS!
Quick Links
STEM Opportunities Outside the Classroom
STEM students have the opportunity to take several field trips during their freshman year, mentor younger students throughout their time in the program, as well as complete an off-campus research internship during their junior or senior year.