STAR Academy

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The Newark Unified STAR Initiative is a comprehensive K-12 computer science pathway to prepare students with the 21st century skills and competencies to excel in a career in the computer science and technology industry. The STAR Initiative is vertically aligned across all grade levels in order for students to develop as computer scientists in ways that are appropriate at each grade level. The STAR Initiative seeks to address the traditional underrepresentation of females and people of color in the computer science and tech industry through targeted support and intervention.

Key Elements of the Star Academy Initiative

Key Aspects

STAR ACADEMY INITIATIVE

Renovated STAR Lab at NMHS as the academy hub and destination for elementary and middle school field trips
Student-leadership opportunities as STAR Lab ambassadors
Developmentally appropriate instruction in computer science and design thinking at every grade level.
Equitable access to computer science learning
Parent involvement meetings
Silicon Valley internships
Summer Coding Camp
Clubs and extracurricular activities, including rocketry and robotics
Field trips to industry partners
Participation in hackathons, competitions, and other forums
Foundations in coding class for junior high students
Freshman coding seminar for 9th graders
Multiple entry points for students in high school, including single classes & certification
Advanced computer science courses in 10th-12th grade
Ohlone College computer science dual enrollment classes
Graduation with a Master of Code Certification
Senior Capstone
- Capstone project to industry partners
- Micro-credential or industry certification
- Support from a college/career advisor

Master of Code Certification

Master of Code certification: beginning with the graduating class of 2023, students who successfully complete both AP Computer Science Principles (APCSP) and AP Computer Science A (APCSA) along with additional requirements below will be awarded a Master of Code (MoC) certificate upon graduation.

Master of Code Requirements:

Complete each semester of Advanced Placement Computer Science-A and Advanced Placement Computer Science-Principles
Participate as a member in good standing in the robotics, rocketry, or Learn to Hack club for at least 2 years*
Attend at least 6-8+ NMHS STEAM events each year for at least 2 years*
Complete at least one STEAM leadership activity each year for at least 2 years*:
- Individually or with a team complete and present a significant CS project (beyond class assignments)
- Individually or with a team teach a lesson/series on a CS/programming topic (beyond class content)
- Individually or with a team organize a youth/community coding education outreach program

Master of Code with honors

Complete all Master of Code requirements, and:
Complete Advanced Placement Computer Science-A and Advanced Placement Computer Science-Principles with a grade of A- or higher each semester
Earn a score of 3 or higher on at least one CS AP test
Serve as an officer or lead a major project in the robotics, rocketry, or Learn to Hack club
Instead of one, complete at least two different STEAM leadership activities each year for at least 2 years*

*for the class of 2023 - 1 year required

Sample STAR ACADEMY A-G Schedule

The Star Academy Initiative is visionary in its inclusivity and comprehensiveness. There is something for everyone, whether you have ambitions for these fields in the future or you just want to explore.dr. mark triplett

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