All about the STEM Advancement Program
Your one stop for information about STEM advancement and activities
Program Overview
Effective starting June 1, 2025, all STEM Nova and Super NOVA awards and content will be removed from Scouting.org. STEM Nova and Super NOVA awards will not be available in ScoutBook and STEM Nova and Super NOVA counselor positions are no longer registered positions in Scouting America. Northern Star Scouting is committed to continuing to offer these programs for our Scout participants, and will not be removing any of the training materials, award request forms, or other resources from this page.
The NOVA Awards program incorporates learning with cool activities and exposure to science, technology, engineering and mathematics for Cub Scouts, Scouts, Venturers, and Sea Scouts. The hope is that the requirements and activities for earning these awards stimulates interest in STEM-related fields and shows how STEM topics apply to everyday living and the world around them. Counselors and mentors help bring this engaging, contemporary, and fun program to life for youth members.
The Nova Awards
Each Nova award covers one component of STEM - science, technology, engineering, or mathematics. For their first Nova award, Scouts earn the distinctive Nova award patch. After that, a Scout can earn three more Nova awards, each one recognized with a separate pi (π) pin-on device that attaches to the patch. The patch and the three devices represent each of the four STEM topics: science, technology, engineering, and mathematics. Below, you can follow the link for a list of Nova awards and requirements by program-level, as well as request a counselor if your unit does not have a local volunteer.
Nova Award Requirements Request a Nova Counselor
Nova Award patchs and pi devices are only available upon request. Please follow the tab below to fill out a request for Northern Star Scouting to order the necessary materials.
Nova Award Request Form
Looking to integrate Nova awards into your unit's regular meeting schedule? Check out the guides below for information and examples on how to conduct your own program:
Cub Scout Packs Scouts BSA Troops Venturing Crews/ Sea Scout Ships
The Supernova Awards
The Supernova awards have more rigorous requirements than the Nova awards. The requirements and activities are designed to motivate youth and recognize more in-depth, advanced achievement in STEM-related activities. Below, you can follow the link for a list of Supernova awards and requirements by program-level, as well as request a mentor if your unit does not have a local volunteer.
Supernova Award Requirements Request a Supernova Mentor
BECOMING A Nova Counselor
Are you interested in helping your Scouts explore STEM topics, or supplement your unit programming with STEM activites? If so, we need your help in supporting area Scouts seeking to earn Nova awards. Counselors serve as a guide for Scouts pursuing these entry-level STEM awards. There is no need for a counselor to work in a STEM-related field, but it is asked that counsleors be willing to work with Scouts in exploring the STEM topics covered in the award tracks. Nova Counselors are registered at the unit-level. Here are some further details on the steps to become registered:
- Must be age 21 or older.
- Must have current Youth Protection Training.
- Must complete the STEM Nova Counselor Learning Plan listed below.
- Register as a Nova Counselor (position code 58) using the BSA Adult Application.
BECOMING A SUPERNOVA MENTOR
Are you a subject matter expert in a STEM-related field, such as an engineer, chemist, or medical professional? If so, we need your help in supporting area Scouts seeking to earn Supernova Awards. As the next step in the STEM advancement program, Supernova Awards require that Scouts take a deeper dive into specific STEM topics. With the increased invovlvement of the awards track, we encourage that Supernova Mentors have a strong vocational or avocational background in a STEM field. Supernova Mentors are registered at the council-level, and require the following to be registered:
- Must be age 21 or older.
- Must have current Youth Protection Training.
- Must complete the Supernova Mentor Learning Plan listed below.
- Submit a copy of the Supernova Mentor information form.
- Register as a Supernova Mentor (position code 52) using the BSA Adult Application.
Nova/Supernova Learning Plans (Training)
The learning modules below replace the training that was available through My.Scouting.org. Each of the modules is a PowerPoint file that can be downloaded, and retained for reference.
What is STEM? STEM Nova and Supernova
How to Teach a Nova Award Part 1 How to Teach a Nova Award Part 2
Dr. Albert Einstein Supernova Award (Supernova Mentors Only)