Preparing for STEM Careers: A Guide for Rural Arizona High School Students

Walter Blackman
Jul 25
2 min read

To prepare for a career in Science, Technology, Engineering, or Mathematics (STEM) while attending high school in Snowflake, Taylor, Show Low, Holbrook, or Winslow, follow this structured guide. Use these steps to build your academic foundation, engage in technical programs, and secure financial support.

1. Select Your Core STEM Courses

Register for the most rigorous math and science courses available at your school. Aim to complete pre-calculus or calculus before graduation. Enroll in lab sciences including biology, chemistry, and physics.

If your school offers Career and Technical Education (CTE) or dual-enrollment credits through local colleges, add these to your schedule. Prioritize computer science or engineering courses to build technical literacy. Verify that your course selections meet the entry requirements for Arizona public universities like ASU, NAU, or U of A.

2. Join DKB Legacy Robotics and Tech Programs

Participate in extracurricular activities to gain hands-on experience. Hands-on learning is essential for understanding engineering and coding concepts.

Register for the Annual Tech Challenge: Visit the Annual Tech Challenge page to sign up for the next competition. This event focuses on problem-solving and team-based engineering.
Attend Exploration Days: Check the STEM and Robotics Exploration Day schedule to participate in introductory workshops.
Utilize Local Resources: Use the Foundation's STEM programs to access technology and equipment that may not be available in your local classroom.

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3. Apply for STEM-Specific Scholarships

Identify and apply for financial aid early in your senior year. Focus on scholarships that prioritize residents of "outlying" or rural Arizona counties.

Bergmann Family Scholarship: Apply if you plan to attend a community college in a STEM-related field. This award gives preference to students from Navajo and Apache counties.
Foundation Scholarships: Visit the Adopt-a-Student page to review eligibility for DKB Legacy Foundation educational support and application assistance.
Education Forward Arizona: Search for the Chevy Humphrey Women in STEM Scholarship if you identify as female and plan to pursue a bachelor's degree in a STEM field.

4. Access Mentorship and Career Preparation

Connect with professionals to understand the daily requirements of your chosen field. Use the following tools to refine your college and career readiness:

Request a Mentor: Contact the Foundation to be paired with a mentor who can provide guidance on scholarship applications and career pathways.
Attend Workshops: Use Foundation events to practice résumé writing and interview techniques.
Search the Opportunity Hub: Use the Arizona Student Opportunity Hub to find research internships and summer academies like the TGen Bioscience Leadership Academy or the UA KEYS Research Internship.

A professional-looking, sleek modern laptop computer displaying a clean, minimalist user interface on its high-resolution screen, set against a blurred, sophisticated office workspace background.

5. Verify Your Progress

Review your college applications and scholarship deadlines monthly. Maintain a minimum 3.0 GPA to remain competitive for most STEM awards. Ensure all community service hours and leadership roles in robotics or science clubs are documented for your résumé.

To begin your STEM journey with the Daniel Kayde Blackman Legacy Foundation, visit our Contact Page or explore our current projects to find a program near you.