Twenty-five years ago, when Harmony set out to deliver high-quality STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering and Math) education, the founders recognized the importance of hiring experts in these fields to teach students. They were determined to establish a school that held both students and staff to high standards of excellence. In the early days of charter schools in Texas, and even now, funding has always been a challenge. However, the founders of Harmony Public Schools prioritized excellent teaching and STEM education and did whatever it took to accomplish the goal.  This meant that they needed to get creative in designing spaces where students could engage in hands-on learning experiences.

Over the years, Harmony has established 'Makerspaces' equipped with rapid prototyping tools such as 3D printers, laser cutters, and CNC machines, along with programmable hardware like Micro:bit, Arduino, and Raspberry Pi. These spaces enable students to bring their imagination to life through creation and discovery. These spaces also provide computers, basic hand tools, craft supplies, and other materials to support hands-on learning, while fostering community engagement by allowing local partners to invest in students firsthand.

STEM partners have played a key role in shaping Harmony’s education model. Over the years, Harmony Public Schools has built strong relationships with many organizations that collaborate with students and staff. With more than 30 STEM partners, ranging from large national organizations to local community non-profits, Harmony has developed a robust partner network. These partners include curriculum providers, IBC Certification organizations, STEM competition coalitions, professional learning companies, and equipment suppliers.

Years ago, Harmony Public Schools recognized the value of strategic STEM partnerships and has nurtured long-term relationships with organizations that expand learning opportunities for our students and provide professional development for our teachers to be effective facilitators. Here are just a few examples of our partners and the relationships we foster with them:

US Army’s AEOP Programs

Harmony Public Schools is the only public school that is a Strategic Outreach Partner for the US Army’s AEOP program. Harmony was awarded this partnership thanks to its focus on incorporating AEOP programs into the STEM curriculum.  This partnership gives students and teachers greater access to information and leverages strong STEM networks across the nation. The Mission of the AEOP is “ To provide an accessible pathway of STEM opportunities to attract, develop, and mentor the next generation of our nation’s diverse talent through U.S. Army educational outreach programs.”

https://www.usaeop.com/

NASA Office of STEM Engagement

As part of NASA’s Educator Professional Development program, Seth Johnson conducted a training session for Harmony’s physics and engineering teachers during the summer of 2024. Additionally, Elisa Rivera, an HSA-El Paso alumna currently working with NASA on the Artemis program, visited the training to deliver an inspiring speech. Elisa is also planning to attend HSI-Katy's Engineering Hard Hat program.

In recent years, several Harmony students have been selected into NASA’s High School Aerospace Scholars Program. The program is a STEM learning experience for high school juniors, designed to engage students with NASA’s missions and inspire them to become the next generation of explorers. The year-long commitment includes an online learning experience focusing on space exploration, Earth science, technology, and aeronautics.

https://www.nasa.gov/learning-resources/

Certiport

All Harmony high schools are Certiport Authorized Testing Centers, which allows them to offer IBC (Industry-Based Certifications) and test preparation materials to students at no cost. Certiport ICS certification programs include Adobe, Autodesk, Cisco, Microsoft, and various IT and Medical certifications. These certifications allow Harmony students to enter higher-education programs equipped with foundations for high-paying careers.

https://certiport.pearsonvue.com/

Project Lead The Way (PLTW)

According to PLTW, “Instructional design centers on hands-on, real-world activities, projects and problems that help students understand how the knowledge and skills they develop in the classroom may be applied in everyday life”. With PLTW curriculum immersed in STEM courses, Harmony classrooms,--from Kindergarten to 12th grade–offer students unique opportunities to work collaboratively, apply what they know, persevere through challenges, find unique solutions, and lead their own learning.”

https://www.pltw.org/

When introducing a new partner or equipment to our Makerspace, Harmony ensures that our teachers receive effective training. To demonstrate our commitment to professional development, we provide training stipends to support teachers. Here is an example of our teacher stipend structure:

• PD Completion: training stipend
• After School Academy: $1000 stipend

Harmony Public Schools is deeply committed to STEM education. One Harmony Alumni recently shared, “My teachers at Harmony allowed me to facilitate my thinking, problem solve, and to be myself. They gave me the resources to elevate myself and succeed.” At Harmony, we keep reaching new heights in STEM education looking ahead to the next 25 years.