Counselors & Mentors

Nova Counselors

Must be age 21 or older
Register as a Nova Counselor (position code 58, non-unit position, no registration fee) using the BSA Adult Application
Must complete BSA’s Youth Protection Training before working with youth
Should complete Nova Counselor training available at my.scouting.org. Log in, click “BSA Learn Center”, then “STEM in Scouting.”

Supernova Mentors

Must be age 21 or older
Must be subject matter experts in a STEM (science, technology, engineering, mathematics) field
Register as a Supernova Mentor (position code 52, non-unit position, no registration fee) using the BSA Adult Application
Must complete and submit the Supernova Awards Mentor Information form to the local council service center
Must complete BSA’s Youth Protection Training before working with youth
Should complete STEM Supernova Mentor training available at available at my.scouting.org. Log in, click “BSA Learn Center”, then “STEM in Scouting.”

Supernova mentors guiding Scouts through the Dr. Albert Einstein Supernova award should reference the most recent version of the guide to mentoring the Dr Albert Einstein Supernova Award, available with the Venturing/Sea Scouting Supernova Awards.

Sample STEM / Nova Chair Position Description

Local councils may want to appoint a STEM/Nova Awards program chair. This can be a standalone position in support of districts, or responsibilities may be added to the program chair’s position description. Here are some responsibilities to consider.

Serve as the representative and spokesperson for the council’s STEM initiative and the Nova Awards program.
Offer personal endorsements and testimony to support the STEM initiative and Nova Awards program.
Help promote the STEM/Nova website, Facebook page, and STEM scholarships.
Identify prospective volunteers and key organizations and events that could help support the BSA’s STEM initiatives.
Ensure integration of the awards with all training opportunities, such as a “This Is the Nova Award” workshop.
Help organize council STEM-based events such as a STEM Merit Badge Day.
Integrate Nova awards with existing camp programs (merit badges, belt loops, pins).
Participate in conference calls, discussions, webinars, etc., to support the launch.
Prospect, meet, and recruit key STEM leaders in your community.
Help educate council staff and volunteers about the Nova Awards program and STEM initiative and about how they can help promote the program and initiative.
With the Scout executive at local council events, present youth members with the NOVA awards they have earned.