Dr. Ellis Crasnow, Director, STEM³ Academy and STEM Education at The Help Group, speaks to an audience about the benefits of STEM education

This fall, The Help Group’s STEM³ Academy, the only K-12 school in the nation to provide STEM curriculum to students with social and learning differences, is opening its third campus in Irvine; it’s first school in Orange County.

Under the umbrella of The Help Group – the largest, most innovative nonprofit of its kind serving children and young adults with special needs – STEM³ Academy is able to provide students with high-functioning autism spectrum disorder, ADHD, and other social and learning differences the opportunity to maximize their potential.

Many students with social and learning differences have a passion for STEM fields and thrive while engaged in project-based learning. STEM³ Academy customizes its approach and curriculum to each student’s individual strengths and needs. It offers robust science, technology, engineering and mathematics courses, as well as opportunities for students to fully explore the humanities. The hub of our school is a state of the art innovation lab and maker space where students are involved in diverse pursuits such as robotics, electronics, film, audio mixing, and 3D modeling and printing using a variety of high-tech equipment.

With a growing need for qualified STEM talent in Southern California and across the nation, STEM³ Academy prepares students for meaningful careers in a variety of fields, such as engineering, cyber-security, biomedical, coding, game development, accounting, web design, IT and the humanities. The school leverages partnerships and mentor programs with leading businesses to offer students real-world interaction and a first-hand knowledge of potential career paths.

“We’re thrilled to bring our teaching approach to Orange County and work with students and families to drive their passions into meaningful careers and help them flourish by working with them in ways that are meaningful to their unique minds,” said Dr. Ellis Crasnow, Director of STEM³ Academy and STEM Education at The Help Group. “We’ve seen tremendous growth and success at our campuses in Los Angeles, with students graduating and entering top-notch universities such as Loyola Marymount, Parsons School of Design, UC Berkeley and Cal Poly Pomona. We couldn’t be more proud and look forward to the same successes from our new Irvine campus.”

Orange County parents, educators and professionals are invited to attend lectures on the benefits of a STEM education led by Dr. Crasnow on May 21 from 6:30 to 8:00 p.m. at UC Irvine in partnership with OC STEM Initiative and a panel discussion on July 17 at Children’s Hospital of Orange County (CHOC).

In addition to upcoming events, registration is now open for their popular STEM summer camp in Irvine from July 8 to July 19. Activities include game design, electronics and circuits, engineering and design, and digital animation.

The Very Special Innovation Fair will also be headed to Orange County on October 12. This is a free, family-friendly showcase of discovery and imagination that is equal parts science fair, high-tech exhibition, art show, and community carnival.

To learn more about the expansion, events, and summer camp, visit: www.stem3academy.org/orangecounty

Applications for the 2019-2020 school year in Orange County are being accepted now: www.stem3academy.org/application/