With recent donations to innovate the space, the STEM Committee has worked to outfit the workspaces with cutting edge tools. Additionally, the academy has looked at ways to increase foot traffic through the space to make it a destination on campus where students can also relax, study, and socialize.

In coordination with all of the above, Sandra Reavill, Math faculty, stepped into the new role of interim Director of Innovation and Design. She has been appointed co-leader of the STEM Scholar program with Elysia Burroughs, Science faculty.

“With their breadth of experience and knowledge, we are looking forward to broad-based programming in the STEM field in the near future,” a release stated on KUA’s website.

Kimball Union students can also elect to participate in the Global Scholar and Arts Scholar programs. The STEM Scholar program was introduced last spring and has been in full-fledged operation in 2018-19’s school year.

While each program has its own emphasis, all three share some common features, according to the website:

• they require a particular focus in a student’s coursework

• periodic evening seminars

• exposure to the chosen fields away from campus

• experiential learning in that area

• community service

• leadership

• and a Senior Capstone project as the culmination of their work.

Students must possess energy and determination to complete any of these Scholar Programs. For some of the Scholar program alumni, it has been the highlight of their years at Kimball Union, the website says. The arts and global programs have been in existence for a few years longer than the STEM program.

Founded in 1813, Kimball Union Academy is one of the oldest private boarding high schools in New Hampshire and the country. KUA blends the best of the New England boarding tradition with an innovative, modern educational program for a diverse group of day and boarding students from across the country and around the world. Located in Meriden, N.H., in the heart of the Upper Valley, Kimball Union is minutes from Dartmouth College and has direct access to Boston and New York.