Showcase of Valley STEM +ME2 (Akron Region)

About the School

Valley STEM Academy is an independent STEM-focused high school serving grades 9 and 10, located on the campus of the Mahoning County Career & Technical Center (MCCTC) in Canfield, Ohio. The academy draws students from a diverse representation of over 20 schools within the Mahoning County Career Tech Planning District, as well as select students from outside the county, creating a true cross-section of the regional student population.

Since its inaugural year in 2016-2017, when the academy enrolled 87 students, Valley STEM has experienced significant growth and currently serves 220 students, with a waiting list approaching 60. The academy benefits from the guidance of an active Advisory Committee composed of business and industry leaders, ensuring a strong connection between education and real-world applications.

Valley STEM Academy emphasizes practical, hands-on learning through collaboration with industry professionals, integrating real-world problem solving and the Design Process into its curriculum. Students have access to exceptional staff, state-of-the-art equipment, and modern facilities designed to foster innovation and academic excellence.

The dedicated faculty at Valley STEM work to implement cross-disciplinary integration across all subject areas, embedding the Design Process throughout the coursework to enhance critical thinking and creativity. In recent years, the academy expanded its STEM focus to STEAM by incorporating the Arts, enriching the educational experience.

Career exploration is a core component of the Valley STEM experience, preparing students for future success by exposing them to diverse career pathways and industry insights.

About the Tour

Part 1: Explore Valley STEM Labs and Classrooms (Grades 9–10)
https://mahoningctc.com/the-valley-stem-me2/
Participants will begin their tour by stepping into the dynamic learning environment of Valley STEM+ME2 Academy, where students in grades 9–10 engage in hands-on, future-ready education. You’ll have the opportunity to walk through state-of-the-art STEM labs and classrooms, interact directly with passionate educators, and gain insight into how cross-content integration brings core subjects together through real-world applications.

Discover how design thinking and STEM concepts are seamlessly woven into every aspect of the curriculum. You’ll visit the cutting-edge Fab Lab and see student work that spans a wide range of disciplines. Experience how we teach courses like Visual Design Technologies, Technology Innovations, Coding, Robotics, Engineering, Advanced STEM, Industrial Maintenance, Subtractive & Additive Manufacturing, Computer Integrated Manufacturing, and Clean Energy—just to name a few.

Whether you’re an educator, administrator, or industry partner, this is a unique chance to see how VSTM is preparing students with the skills, knowledge, and mindset they need for the careers of tomorrow.

Part 2: Discover Career Pathways at MCCTC (Grades 11–12)
https://mahoningctc.com/high-school/
In the second part of the tour, participants will explore the impressive range of programs offered at the Mahoning County Career and Technical Center (MCCTC), home to over 750 students in grades 11 and 12. MCCTC provides students with access to 22 diverse career and technical education programs, all designed to prepare them for high-demand fields and real-world success.

You’ll have the opportunity to visit several of these hands-on learning environments and speak directly with instructors and students who are immersed in their chosen career paths. From healthcare and information technology to construction trades, advanced manufacturing, public safety, and more—each program offers rigorous training, industry certifications, and direct pathways to employment or further education.

This visit also highlights the unique partnership between Valley STEM+ME2 Academy and MCCTC. While they are two separate schools, they work hand-in-hand with a shared mission: to empower students through career exploration, workforce development, and 21st-century skills. In fact, in recent years, 100% of Valley STEM 10th graders have chosen to continue their education at MCCTC as juniors—underscoring the strength of this pipeline and the trust families place in both institutions. Come experience firsthand how MCCTC and Valley STEM create a seamless and inspiring journey for students from exploration to career readiness.

Intended Audience: All are welcome

Capacity: 40

Registration Link: https://forms.gle/deCLUd1b6iwW2U8a6