Adults who deliver the STEM Nova Awards program are referred to as STEM Nova Counselors and Supernova Mentors. These are registered positions within the BSA. Approval of these positions is done through the local council. Those who are interested in serving as a STEM Nova Counselor or Supernova Mentor must submit an adult application and complete Youth Protection Training.
STEM Nova Counselors and Supernova Mentors may not deliver the program or meet with any Scouting youth until their BSA adult leader application has been approved and processed, including completion of Youth Protection Training.
BSA adult leaders who are already registered must submit an application for STEM nova Counselor and/or Supernova Mentors as a duplicate membership.
STEM Nova Counselors do not have an additional application.
Supernova Mentors have an additional application that is submitted with their adult application and is approved by the local council. Supernova Mentor Application
Learning Modules
Below are a series of learning modules to support STEM Nova Counselors and Supernova Mentors. These modules may be self instructed or used by a local council to provide in-person training.
STEM Nova Counselors
Supernova Mentors
STEM Nova Counselor Learning Plan
- What is STEM?
- STEM Nova and Supernova
- How to Teach a Nova Award Part 1
- How to Teach a Nova Award Part 2
Supernova Mentor and Dr. Albert Einstein Supernova Award Mentor Learning Plan
- What is STEM?
- STEM Nova Supernova
- How to Teach a Nova Award Part 1
- How to Teach a Nova Award Part 2
- Dr. Albert Einstein Supernova Award
WHAT IS STEM?
This module is for anyone interested in the STEM Nova program either as a parent, leader, counselor, or mentor. This module explains what STEM is and how it is connected to Scouting.
STEM NOVA AND SUPERNOVA AWARDS
What are STEM Nova and Supernova Awards? This module explains the two awards, how they are earned, and the role of the STEM Nova Counselor and Supernova Mentor.
HOW TO TEACH A NOVA AWARD
PART 1 – PLANNING
This module is for STEM Nova Counselors and Supernova Mentors. It may also be used for leaders who want to learn how to incorporate STEM into their Scout program.
HOW TO TEACH A NOVA AWARD
PART 2 – IMPLEMENTATION
This module is for STEM Nova Counselors and Supernova Mentors. It may also be used for leaders who want to learn how to incorporate STEM into their Scout program.
How to Teach a Nova Award Part 2 – Implementation PowerPoint
Dr. Albert Einstein Supernova Award
This module introduces the highest achievement in the STEM Nova Award program and guides mentors on how to coach and guide a Scout as they strive to earn the achievement.
