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Eberly College of Arts and Sciences
WVU Foundational STEM Collaborative
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STEM Learning Center

STEM SPARK Credential 

SPARK Your STEM Success at WVU! Join WVU's interdisciplinary badge program that empowers first-year and underclassmen to thrive in STEM and beyond.   

To earn the badge, you must complete 4 STEM challenges in each of the 5 SPARK areas for 20 total challenges.

STEM Identity

Professional Development

Academic Mindset

Reflection & Resiliency

Keystone Knowledge &  Experiences

Who is eligible? 

The STEM SPARK Credential can be accessed and awarded to ALL undergraduates, regardless of major, who successfully complete the required STEM Challenges provided by the WVU Foundational STEM Collaborative (FSC) programming.  No prerequisite coursework is required.  Everyone is welcome!  

How could you benefit? 

With the completion of STEM Challenges, you will gain insight, knowledge, and skills that can lead to increased enjoyment and academic success during your first semesters at WVU.  Prepare to reach your professional and future goals.

With the successful completion of the STEM Challenges (badge curriculum), you will be able to:  

  1. Recognize and more easily navigate the elements of higher education's hidden curriculum.  

  2. Apply newfound academic skills and knowledge of resources to more successfully complete your first years of college. 

  3. Cultivate connections with faculty and peers to develop an enhanced sense of belonging and to identity as a member of STEM and WVU communities.  

  4. Interpret you individual strengths for best alignment to possible future professions in STEM.  

  5. Reflect upon how your own uniqueness, and the individuality of others, increases the strength of the STEM community due to your belonging.  

What do participants receive? 

Besides all of the benefits listed above, participants who complete all of the STEM Challenges also receive: 

  • A digital badge from Badger which can be displayed on websites, on social media profiles such as Linked-In, on resumes, and embedded within email signatures. 

  • A physical enamel pin that can be displayed on graduation regalia in the future. 

  • A limited edition WVU Foundational STEM Collaborative t-shirt to show off your accomplishments. 

How can participants enroll in the STEM SPARK Badge and start tracking STEM challenges? 

  1. Individuals interested in this badge may sign up here. 

  2. Participants will receive an email with directions on how to self-enroll in the STEM SPARK badge’s associated non-credit eCampus course. 

  3. Once enrolled, participants can find and complete STEM Challenges, which are submitted and tracked in eCampus. 

  4. Badges will be awarded upon successful completion and submission of all experiences. 

How do participants complete challenges to earn the badge? 

After enrollment, participants must complete four individual STEM Challenges for each of the five SPARK elements (STEM identity, professional development, academic mindset, reflection and resiliency, and keystone knowledge and experiences) for a total of 20 completed and submitted Challenges.  An electronic checklist has been built into the badge curriculum to help students track their progress. 

What are the STEM challenges like? 

The STEM Challenges associated with the STEM SPARK Badge vary, but include opportunities to participate in many of the offerings provided by the FSC STEM Learning Center.  We host learning consultations, academic workshops, social activities, and fun STEM-themed events where you can meet other WVU students with similar interests.   

You will find that some STEM Challenges are required to earn the badge, while you get to select others from a provided list – allowing you to personalize your experience.  This is not an exhaustive list, but is intended to provide an overview of the program and sample Challenges: 

  • Attend a learning consultation at the FSC STEM Learning Center. 

  • Participate in a non-tutoring event at the FSC STEM Learning Center. 

  • Participating as a STEM representative at a Thinking Sprint. 

  • Engagement in select Academic Workshops (both in-person and online options). 

  • Linked-In Launch Workshop  

  • Discover a Scientist that Resembles You Challenge 

  • STEM Interest/Career Inventory Challenge 

  • Office Hours Passport Challenge 

  • Engage with STEM Professionals Challenge – including WVU STEM Alumni! 

  • Citizen Science Challenge 

  • FSC Campus Resource Scavenger Hunt Challenge 

  • Engage with STEM Upperclassman Challenge 

  • Time Management Skill-Building Challenge  

  • And so much more!!!