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 online
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 online
Supernova mentors guiding Scouts through the Dr. Albert Einstein Supernova award should reference this guide.
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.
Questions? myscouting@scouting.org