The Governor’s School at Innovation Park, positioned at George Mason University’s Science and Technology Campus, holds a particular distinction: It’s Virginia’s solely academic-year Governor’s School positioned on a four-year college campus.
That signifies that high school juniors and seniors spend a part of every school day experiencing life as George Mason University students.
The Governor’s School at Innovation Park celebrates its fifteenth anniversary this yr. Located in Manassas, it’s one in all 19 academic-year Governor’s Schools within the commonwealth. Students earn college credit score for his or her coursework by means of twin enrollment at their high school and George Mason.
“The Governor’s School at Innovation Park offers a important alternative for native high school students to expertise the pains of college schooling,” stated Janette Muir, vice provost for tutorial affairs at George Mason. “The program exemplifies George Mason’s role as an anchor for access to higher education in Northern Virginia.”
Qualified students at companion high colleges are supplied assured admission to George Mason after finishing this system.
The Governor’s School at Innovation Park serves 166 students from 15 high colleges throughout three school divisions. The program’s school are Prince William County Schools workers and are additionally George Mason affiliate school. Several additionally work as adjunct school at George Mason.
The program was based in 2010 by means of the collaborative efforts of George Mason, Prince William County Public Schools, Manassas City Public Schools, and Manassas Park City Schools. The STEM-focused curriculum consists of real-world analysis and mentorship alternatives in enterprise, business, authorities, and college settings.
“Our location at George Mason’s SciTech Campus has had an incalculable impact on all three school divisions, as well as the campus,” stated Jason Calhoun, director of the school. “Our students’ access to world-class laboratory facilities has allowed them to conduct research and excel in national and international research and STEM competitions.”
Students are chosen for this system by means of a committee overview course of of their school division. Applicants are evaluated based mostly on a holistic overview of their tutorial efficiency in high school and will need to have demonstrated excellence in superior STEM programs.
“There is no better opportunity to prepare our advanced STEM students for the rigors of advanced course work and research, while still having access to the opportunities and socialization that high school allows,” stated Calhoun.
Calhoun famous that this system helps students hone laboratory and analysis abilities, time administration, and organizational abilities, that are vital to success in college and past.
“The breadth and depth of their growth over two years is amazing, in part due to the structure of our students’ schedules and the early access to college life and expectations,” stated Calhoun.
The Governor’s School semester has wrapped up with a analysis symposium and a commencement ceremony for seniors. And with STEM coursework beneath their belt from George Mason, their paths to success have a basis of excellence.