Ozarks Tech students pursuing science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM) education now have an opportunity to further stand out in their fields with the addition of a National STEM Honor Society chapter at the college.

The introduction of the new STEM Honor Society was a move initially driven by students. Since 2022, the college has enjoyed an active STEM Club where participants share knowledge and learn from each other. Club meetings offer fun activities that promote collaboration, creativity and critical thinking. Students take part in a variety of activities such as building robots, writing code, conducting experiments and solving puzzles. From the beginning, these students expressed an interest in bringing opportunities beyond the club that were academically rigorous and recognize excellence.

According to Jared Durden, Ozarks Tech physical science instructor and faculty advisor for the STEM Club and Honor Society, students wanted additional ways to grow their passion. They wanted greater interactions with other like-minded students and opportunities to increase their marketability after college. He explained the addition of a STEM Honors Society chapter at Ozarks Tech will do just that as well as open doors to scholarships and attendance at conferences and competitions.

“Being a part of the National STEM Honor Society really demonstrates an additional level of commitment and achievement,” Durden said. “College is the time when students explore and work toward their interests and future jobs. Being a National STEM Honors Society member will have benefits in college and beyond.”

Durden added that more students are recognizing the value of STEM education and the high-paying professions that seek those skills. Students who distinguish themselves with participation in related honor societies increase their employment prospects.

The National STEM Honor Society was founded in 2017 in response to the growing demand for innovative STEM education. Its goal is to enrich the educational experience and boost career readiness. More employers are seeking individuals with STEM backgrounds as they tend to excel at problem solving and can break down complicated topics and communicate effectively.

Ozarks Tech started the National STEM Honor Society chapter this fall with eight members. To qualify, members must maintain at least a 3.0 in STEM courses and be enrolled in three credit hours if part time and six credit hours if full time.

The STEM Honor Society is one of two honor society experiences available at Ozarks Tech. Qualifying students can participate in Alpha Psi Tau, the college’s chapter of Phi Theta Kappa Honor Society.

For more information about the National STEM Honor Society chapter at Ozarks Tech, contact Jared Durden at durdenj@otc.edu.