Career Pathways
The ASK Academy Career Pathways
At The ASK Academy, we prepare scholars for high-demand STEM careers through two specialized pathways: Engineering and Design and Biomedical Sciences. Our unique program structure allows middle school scholars to explore both fields before making an informed commitment to their chosen pathway in high school.
Middle School Exploration (Grades 6-8)
During middle school, all ASK Academy scholars participate in foundational courses from both pathways. This exploration phase ensures scholars discover their interests and aptitudes before specializing, creating a strong foundation for future success. Each specialized course in 6th and 7th grade is a semester-long experience, allowing for deep engagement while providing variety. Robotics is a full-year course.
6th Grade Foundation
Green Architecture - Scholars explore sustainable design principles, learning how buildings can work with the environment through energy-efficient systems, renewable materials, and innovative construction techniques.
Foundations of Bio Med - Scholars investigate the basics of human biology and medical science, exploring how the body works and how medical professionals diagnose and treat various conditions, while exploring careers in healthcare and medical research.
Technology - Scholars develop essential digital literacy and computational thinking skills that support both engineering and biomedical career pathways.
7th Grade Exploration
Medical Detectives - Acting as medical investigators, scholars learn to analyze symptoms, interpret medical data, and understand disease processes, while taking a more in-depth look into how the human body functions.
Flight and Space - Scholars delve into aerospace engineering principles, studying aerodynamics, propulsion systems, and space exploration technologies while engaging in hands-on design challenges.
8th Grade Specialization Preparation
Robotics - Scholars integrate programming, engineering design, and problem-solving as they build and program robots, preparing them for advanced study in either pathway while developing critical STEM skills.
High School Specialization (Grades 9-12)
After experiencing both pathways, scholars choose their specialization for focused, advanced study that prepares them for college and career success.
Engineering Pathway (High School)
Advanced coursework includes:
PLTW Introduction to Engineering Design (9th Grade) - This course will teach problem-solving skills using a design development process. Scholars will create models of product solutions which will be analyzed and communicated using solid modeling computer design software.
PLTW Principles of Engineering (10th Grade) - This course will assist scholars to understand the field of engineering and engineering technology. Scholars will explore various technology systems and manufacturing processes which will help scholars learn how engineers and technicians use math, science and technology in an engineering problem solving process to benefit people. The course also includes concerns about social and political consequences of technological change.
PLTW Aerospace Engineering (11th and 12th grade) - This course explores the evolution of flight, navigation and control, flight fundamentals, aerospace materials, propulsion, space travel, and orbital mechanics. In addition, this course presents alternative applications for aerospace engineering concepts. Scholars analyze, design, and build aerospace systems. They apply knowledge gained throughout the course in a final presentation about the future of the industry and their professional goals.
Engineering Capstone (11th and 12th grade) - The knowledge and skills students acquire throughout PLTW Engineering come together in EDD as they identify an issue and then research, design, and test a solution, ultimately presenting their solution to a select audience.
Engineering Internship - This course does not take place on ASK Campus. Scholars in this course will find and work as an intern for a business on their own time (a suggested maximum of 10 hours per week). Curriculum includes projects, research papers, other tasks and a final exam.
Biomedical Sciences Pathway (High School)
Specialized studies encompass:
PLTW Principles of Biomedical Sciences - The course will provide an overview of all the courses in the Biomedical Sciences program and to lay the scientific foundation necessary for scholar success in the subsequent courses. Scholars will get an overview of health care delivery, patient care, including assessment of vital signs, as well as anatomical terminology and other basics of the human body. Scholars will investigate the careers pursued in a Biomedical Science Program as they explore the concepts of human medicine and are introduced to research processes and bioinformatics.
PLTW Human Body Systems I (10th grade) - Scholars examine the processes, structures, and interactions of the human body systems (skeletal, muscular, integumentary, neural, and endocrine) to learn how they work together to maintain homeostasis (internal balance) and good health. Scholars work through interesting real world cases and often play the role of biomedical professionals to solve medical mysteries. Scholars will also cover the New Mexico Health Education standards. Clinical skills, pathophysiology, disease and injury prevention and treatments will be explored. This class also includes dissections.
PLTW Human Body Systems II (11th- 12th grade) - Scholars examine the processes, structures, and interactions of the human body systems (cardiovascular, respiratory, digestive, and reproductive) to learn how they work together to maintain homeostasis (internal balance) and good health. This course is also intended to help scholars make positive and healthy choices. Scholars work through interesting real world cases and often play the role of biomedical professionals to solve medical mysteries. Second semester may count for elective science credit. This class also includes dissections.
Microbiology (11th- 12th grade) - This course covers principles of microbiology and the impact these organisms have on man and the environment. Topics include the various groups of microorganisms, their structure, physiology, genetics, microbial pathogenicity, infectious diseases, immunology, and selected practical applications.
Biomedical Capstone (11th & 12th) - This course concerns Health Care Occupations and enables scholars to choose one or several specialties to study in more detail. Course content depends upon the chosen field. This is an independent study course. Public speaking, clinical skills, leadership, and career exploration will be addressed.
Biomedical Internship I and II (12th grade) - This course does not take place on ASK Campus. Scholars in this course will find and work as an intern for a business on their own time or shadow. Curriculum includes projects, research papers, other tasks and a final exam.
The ASK Academy Advantage
Our dual-pathway approach ensures scholars make informed decisions about their futures while developing critical thinking, collaboration, and communication skills essential for success in any STEM field. By graduation, ASK Academy scholars are prepared for advanced study in their chosen field and positioned to become the next generation of innovators and healthcare leaders.
Preparing Today's Scholars for Tomorrow's STEM Careers