The hectic environment of the Upper D hallway, gliders flying down the P-Wing, solar boats buzzing around Shawn Kimbrough’s room. Typical staples of the GlenOak STEM Program but is it coming to an end?

For the past 11 years, the STEM program has been a proud staple of GlenOak, with hundreds of students going through the program. Since last year STEM has lost three classes and seen a 20% student decline according to Counselor Dawn Harrington. With recent changes in​​ the STEM program, it seems students may be getting tired of STEM.

Stem English teacher Angela Beshore who’s in her 10th year of the STEM program believes that STEM is simply not the same as it used to be.

“I think in general the word STEM doesn’t have the buzz it once did,” Beshore said.

Beshore also believes that changes in the middle school STEM program are also to blame.

“STEM has changed its programming at Oakwood which has an impact on students’ awareness of it,” Beshore said.

Beshore’s advice to incoming freshmen, join STEM! Beshore believes that the STEM program is more than just learning, it’s a fun experience.

“It is fun, we get to do cool things like launch rockets and learn about space travel,” Beshore said.

Ninth Grade Academy Principal Scott Esporite believes the decrease in STEM students is because of increased options available to freshmen. Esporite believes that more intro to career tech classes and an increase in arts classes is to blame.

“Many students have to decide between a multitude of arts classes as well as new intro to career tech classes,” Esporite said.

Esporite also believes that a lack of confidence in students is to blame for the decreased enrollment in STEM.

 “Ever since COVD, students have lacked academic confidence, resulting in decreased enrollment in STEM as well as honors classes,” Esporite said

Shawn Kimbrough believes that the STEM program is a way for freshmen to discover themselves in a way not possible in other classes.

“I think the real power of this program is the freedom for exploration,“ Kimbrough said.

Kimbrough hopes that the STEM program is not coming to an end, “I certainly hope the program won’t end. It feels like home to me and I would hate to see that change,”

Not only does the program feel like home to him, but it also feels like home to the whole STEM team and countless students who rely on the community that STEM brings.

So, with many rumors that have been floating around the student body that the STEM program will be discontinued, Esporite would like to address those.

“STEM is here to stay and isn’t going anywhere”, Esporite asserted.

Not only is STEM here to stay but new additions to the program are continuing to be added. The STEM program is going on a field trip to the MAPS Air Museum and STEM teacher David Limbaugh is working on a collaboration with NASA for the students. So STEM students and staff can rest, the program is here to stay.