Amherst Exempted Village School District is excited to introduce two new elective courses for the 2026-27 school year at Amherst Junior High School. 

STEM EXPLORATION
STEM Exploration is a new, hands-on middle school course made possible through the Expanding Opportunities for Each Child Direct Student Services Non-Competitive (EOEC DSS NC) Grant. Grant funds are being used to support the STEM Exploration teaching position, expanding opportunities for students to engage in innovative, project-based learning experiences.

The new STEM Exploration course was developed in response to feedback from students and families, analysis of 2025-2026 YouScience interest and aptitude data, and Ohio workforce priorities. Student interest data showed a strong desire for additional STEM learning opportunities, while Ohio's Top Jobs initiative highlights the growing need for employees who possess durable skills such as critical thinking, creativity, collaboration, communication, and problem-solving across both in-demand and critical occupations. STEM Exploration helps students develop these transferable skills while building curiosity, confidence, and a strong foundation for future academic and career success.

In STEM Exploration, students will discover how science, technology, engineering, and mathematics connect to everyday life through real-world challenges. They will design, build, create, and collaborate while developing critical thinking, creativity, communication, leadership, and problem-solving skills. The course also introduces students to a variety of STEM career pathways and helps them understand how the knowledge and skills they develop today can prepare them for future success.

Families are encouraged to talk with their child about the projects they are completing, encourage curiosity and perseverance, and stay informed through district communications for updates about student learning and future STEM opportunities. Families who have questions about the course or other middle school learning opportunities are encouraged to contact Amherst Junior High.

PROJECT LEAD THE WAY MEDICAL DETECTIVES
Project Lead The Way (PLTW) Medical Detectives is another new middle school Career-Technical Education course that expands students' access to high-quality STEM and career exploration opportunities. The teaching position for this course is funded through the Title IV, Part A: Student Support and Academic Enrichment Grant, which supports providing all students with access to a well-rounded education. In addition, Amherst Junior High was awarded a $20,000 Project Lead The Way grant to support teacher training and the purchase of instructional materials needed to implement the course.

The new Project Lead The Way Medical Detectives course was developed in response to feedback from students and families, analysis of 2025-2026 YouScience interest and aptitude data, and Ohio workforce priorities. Student interest and aptitude results identified strong interest in healthcare and biomedical careers, while Ohio's Top Jobs initiative recognizes healthcare professions (including nursing, physicians, mental and behavioral health, and wellness research and technology) as critical occupations that support the health and well-being of Ohio communities. This course provides students with an engaging introduction to these career pathways while developing the scientific thinking, collaboration, and problem-solving skills needed for future success.

In Medical Detectives, students become medical investigators as they solve real-world health mysteries by examining symptoms, analyzing evidence, conducting laboratory investigations, and applying biomedical science concepts. Through engaging, hands-on projects, students develop critical thinking, collaboration, communication, and problem-solving skills while exploring the human body, disease processes, and careers in healthcare and biomedical science.

Families are encouraged to ask their child about the medical cases they are investigating, discuss the many career opportunities available in healthcare and STEM fields, and stay informed through district communications for updates on student learning and future Career-Technical Education opportunities. Families with questions about the course or middle school course offerings are encouraged to contact Amherst Junior High.

Beginning in the 2026–2027 school year, Marion L. Steele High School is expanding opportunities for students through four new Career and Technical Education (CTE) pathways: Allied Health & Nursing, Exercise Science & Sports Medicine, Advanced Manufacturing, and Marketing. Developed in partnership with Lorain County JVS, these pathways provide students with hands-on learning experiences, industry-relevant skills, and opportunities to explore high-demand careers aligned with their interests and future goals.