Columbia High-National Defense – BLAST Magnet

Program Description:

Through the Richland One BLAST (Building Lasting Aerospace STEAM Trajectories) Magnet Program at Columbia High, students are engaged in hands-on, project-based learning through one of four National Defense Magnet Academies: (1) Pre-Engineering, (2) Bio-medical, (3)Cyber Security or (4) Aerospace.

Our STEM-based theme serves to ignite curiosity, promote exploration and foster collaboration and scientific thinking through hands-on, inquiry based learning experiences. The inter-disciplinary curriculum, built upon South Carolina state standards, provides students with strong foundational knowledge and emphasizes understanding of the world around them.

Our National Defense Magnet is a unique magnet program developed to provide students with an interest in cyber security, bio-medical sciences, aviation, aerospace, and engineering technologies an opportunity to participate in industry-related electives, earn industry certifications and licenses, and complete dual enrollment/ advanced placement college credit all while completing their high school education.

BLAST Magnet Pathway: Students who attend our BLAST Magnet program have the unique opportunity to experience a STEM integrated curriculum and Aerospace Pathway from Kindergarten-12th grade (from Watkins Nance Aerospace Magnet to W.A. Perry Middle Aerospace Magnet to the National Defense Magnet at Columbia High).

Program Location: Columbia High School

Program Type: School-within-a-school model

Grades: 9th-12th Grades

Eligibility Criteria: Open to all Richland One students

Student Selection Method: Lottery

Enrollment Capacity: 30 spots per Academy per grade level (9th-12th)

Bus Transportation: Provided for all students

Contact: Dr. Precious Wymbs, Assistant Principal, 803-731-8950, precious.wymbs@richlandone.org; Dr. Shawn Washington, Principal, 803-731-8950, shawn.washington@richlandone.org

Parent Sessions: