NOVA STEM Outreach Bridge Program
Northern Virginia Community College (various campuses), 5000 Dawes Ave, Alexandria, VA 22311
About
The NOVA STEM Outreach Bridge Program includes hands-on activities around engineering, engineering technology, information technology, and computer science. Students take part in cybersecurity labs, computer assembly, and work with pneumatic simulators. The program also includes visits to tech companies and tours of George Mason University engineering and computer science labs, AWS, Micron Technology, and local data centers.
• Ages: 16–18 years old
• Schedule: Late June through mid-August, with most sessions running from 9:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m.
• Price: The Bridge Program is FREE.
The NOVA STEM Outreach Bridge Program offers a Bridge Program in Engineering Technology (ET), Data Center Operations (DCO), Information Technology (IT), and Computer Science (CS). It helps high school juniors and seniors determine next steps and set a path for an in-demand technology career. Students are introduced to NOVA's campuses, student services, and financial aid, and they select sessions based on proximity to a local campus and career interests. The program includes a one-day overview orientation session, industry and partner site visits connected to NOVA's degree pathways, and a one-day close-out review session. Students who complete program requirements for the Summer 2025 program will be eligible for a $200 stipend. The program offers optional asynchronous courses in SDV-101 for seniors only or OSHA-10 at no cost, and an option to study for the Google IT Support Professional certificate at no cost. The application period for Summer 2025 has closed, and the application for Summer 2026 will be available in late January 2026.
Past session topics have included Intro to Programming with Python, Coding & Micro:bit, Introduction to SketchUp, Robotics Competitions: A Strategic Approach, LED Emojis & Electric Circuits, Inkscape, Build A Solar Car, and Bubbles & Math: Design a 3D Printed Bubble. The program also shares a STEM resources list that includes Code.org Courses, Coding for Kids, Tinkercad Codeblocks, Teach Engineering, PBS Design Squad, Khan Academy, PBS Education, PBS Learning Media Math for Kids, Smithsonian Science Education Center, PHET Math & Science Interactive Simulations, NASA Education Activities, Rasmussen College – 11 Simple STEM Activities, Study Island, Science Buddies, and K12.
The leadership team for the program lists Natasha Schuh-Nuhfer as the contact for the Bridge Program and Christine Hirst Bernhardt as the contact for STEM Expo support. Community involvement activities include engaging with local STEM events at libraries and schools, participating in Maker Faires, bringing STEM to large community events and educational conferences such as Youth For Tomorrow's Country Fair & Auctions, and coordinating and participating in STEM Days on NOVA campuses.
Last updated January 18, 2026.
• Ages: 16–18 years old
• Schedule: Late June through mid-August, with most sessions running from 9:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m.
• Price: The Bridge Program is FREE.
The NOVA STEM Outreach Bridge Program offers a Bridge Program in Engineering Technology (ET), Data Center Operations (DCO), Information Technology (IT), and Computer Science (CS). It helps high school juniors and seniors determine next steps and set a path for an in-demand technology career. Students are introduced to NOVA's campuses, student services, and financial aid, and they select sessions based on proximity to a local campus and career interests. The program includes a one-day overview orientation session, industry and partner site visits connected to NOVA's degree pathways, and a one-day close-out review session. Students who complete program requirements for the Summer 2025 program will be eligible for a $200 stipend. The program offers optional asynchronous courses in SDV-101 for seniors only or OSHA-10 at no cost, and an option to study for the Google IT Support Professional certificate at no cost. The application period for Summer 2025 has closed, and the application for Summer 2026 will be available in late January 2026.
Past session topics have included Intro to Programming with Python, Coding & Micro:bit, Introduction to SketchUp, Robotics Competitions: A Strategic Approach, LED Emojis & Electric Circuits, Inkscape, Build A Solar Car, and Bubbles & Math: Design a 3D Printed Bubble. The program also shares a STEM resources list that includes Code.org Courses, Coding for Kids, Tinkercad Codeblocks, Teach Engineering, PBS Design Squad, Khan Academy, PBS Education, PBS Learning Media Math for Kids, Smithsonian Science Education Center, PHET Math & Science Interactive Simulations, NASA Education Activities, Rasmussen College – 11 Simple STEM Activities, Study Island, Science Buddies, and K12.
The leadership team for the program lists Natasha Schuh-Nuhfer as the contact for the Bridge Program and Christine Hirst Bernhardt as the contact for STEM Expo support. Community involvement activities include engaging with local STEM events at libraries and schools, participating in Maker Faires, bringing STEM to large community events and educational conferences such as Youth For Tomorrow's Country Fair & Auctions, and coordinating and participating in STEM Days on NOVA campuses.
Last updated January 18, 2026.
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