Academy of Math and Science

When does the application open and close? 

The application opens on April 1st of each year. The priority deadline is July 31st of each year. Applications received after July 31st will be looked at on a rolling basis, until the program is full. 

 Who is eligible for the program? 

• Any student recently accepted for admission or currently enrolled at Normandale Community College can apply as long as the student: 
• Is committed to pursuing a degree in a science, technology, engineering or mathematics (STEM) field or a secondary teaching degree with a focus on STEM education 
• Has a high school diploma or a GED 
• Is committed to program participation for one or more academic years 

What STEM majors do you look for? 

Astronomy, Biology, Chemistry, Geology, Geography, Physics, Mathematics, Computer Science, Computer Technology, IT, Data Analytics, Engineering, Pre-Health Fields (Medical, Pharmacy, Dentistry, Physical/Occupational Therapy, Veterinary Science, and Physician Assistant). We do not accept Nursing or Dental Hygiene students. 

What kind of student is sought for the Academy? 

The Normandale Community College Academy of Math and Science Program is looking for students who have an interest in STEM fields, particularly students who may need academic, social, developmental (in terms of student success) or modest financial support to succeed. In trying to meet the overwhelming shortages of math and science educators we also seek students interested in becoming secondary STEM teachers. In doing so, we especially want to support populations historically underrepresented in STEM-related fields by targeting recruitment efforts on: 

• Students of color 
• Children of immigrant parents or students who are themselves immigrants 
• Students from economically disadvantaged backgrounds 
• Students whose parents did not attend college 
• Women interested in STEM disciplines 
• Students interested in pursuing a secondary education teaching degree with a focus on STEM 

What criteria are you judging in the application process? 

Admittance into the Academy will be based on the cumulative results of the following criteria: 

• High school diploma or GED  
• High school (and/or college) GPA, and/or commitment to maintain a 3.0 GPA while in the program 
• Letters of recommendation from at least one teacher (professor) with whom you have studied and/or a counselor, advisor or professional person such as an employer 
• Indicated potential and commitment as well as sincerity to pursue a career in STEM demonstrated in a student essay 
• Demonstrated commitment to Academy Program participant criteria 

What are the participation requirements for scholarship recipients? 

Students who are accepted into the Normandale Academy of Math and Science Program agree to: 

• Attend Normandale Community College for approximately TWO consecutive years following acceptance into the program 
• Pursue a degree in a science, technology, engineering or mathematics (STEM) field or a secondary teaching degree with a focus on STEM education 
• Maintain a competitive college GPA (3.0 or above is considered competitive in STEM-related fields) 
• Be enrolled full time (12 or more credits) at Normandale Community College each semester 
• Attend all required Academy cohort meetings 
• Schedule and attend all individual meetings with their advisor 
• Actively participate in all individual and cohort learning and development activities whether they are in person or online 

 What are the two types of meetings Academy students have to attend? 

• Individual meetings are 30-minute advising meetings that occur every other week. You choose the time that works best for your schedule. Some of the topics covered in these meetings include: transfer planning, course selection, career planning, direction to other support services, resumes, internships, research opportunities, etc. 
• Cohort meetings are 60-minute meetings that occur monthly on Wednesday, from 3:00 to 4:00 pm. These meetings allow you to meet the other students in the program and build connections. Topics covered: resumes, cover letters, presentations by transfer schools, research and internship speakers, professionals sharing their experiences, former Academy students sharing their experiences, etc. 

Academic Advisor/Program Coordinator 
maria.clark@normandale.edu 
952-358-8663 
Office- C 1145

Schedule an Appointment 

Maria has been working in the Academy of Math and Science Program since 2010.  She has a background in elementary education, and has worked with students of all ages.  She has been a key component in helping the program continuously grow and improve through serving underrepresented students, recruitment, retention, curriculum creation and coordination, STEM speakers and company tours, transfer tours, providing on and off campus resources, database management, and program reports and grants, amongst other things.  

She provides academic, professional and personal support to all of her students and assists them in achieving their full potential and ultimately finding their dream career.  She has a passion for working individually with a diverse group of college students and looks forward to each and every new day.  Outside of work, Maria enjoys traveling, running, yoga, shopping, and living her life to the fullest with her husband and daughter, and their families and friends.