Boy Scouts of America® North Florida Council

STEM Program

STEM stands for Science, Technology, Engineering and Math.  This program is part of an initiative the Boy Scouts of America has taken on to encourage the natural curiosity of its youth members and their sense of wonder about these fields through existing programs. From archery to welding, Scouts can't help but enjoy the wide range of STEM-related activities. To support this initiative, the BSA developed the Nova Awards program so that youth members have fun and receive recognition for their efforts.

NOVA Program

The Boy Scouts of America's NOVA Awards program incorporates learning with cool activities and exposure to science, technology, engineering and mathematics for Cub Scouts, Scouts BSA, and Venturers. The hope is that the requirements and activities for earning these awards stimulates interest in STEM-related fields and shows how science, technology, engineering and mathematics 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. National Website

Nova Awards

There are four Nova awards for each level of scouting: Cub Scouts, Webelos Scouts, Scouts BSA, and Venturers. Each award covers one component of STEM—science, technology, engineering, or mathematics. Award Requirements

Supernova Awards

The Supernova Program has more rigorous requirements than the Nova Program. The requirements and activities were designed to motivate youth and recognize more in-depth, advanced achievement in STEM-related activities.

Nova Counselors and Supernova Mentors

With the introduction of the new Nova and Supernova awards comes a fresh opportunity for volunteer positions. As a Counselor or Mentor, you can help bring this engaging and fun program to our youth members. 

To qualify you must be at least 21 years of age and be of good character. 

Nova counselors do not need to have a STEM professional background.

Supernova mentors must have expertise in a STEM field and be approved by the NFC Nova Committee. 

To register as a Nova Counselor or Supernova Mentor: 

• A complete, signed BSA Adult Application. (No fee required or unit signatures needed)
• A printed, current certification for BSA Youth Protection. Go to: www.my.scouting.org 
• A completed Supernova Awards Mentor Information Application indicating which awards you wish to mentor. 

All forms must be completed and turned into Eli Rivera at eli.rivera@scouting.org or sent to North Florida Council, 521 Edgewood Ave S., Jacksonville, FL 32205.