• Columbia High-National Defense – BLAST Magnet

    Program Description:

    National Defense IconThrough 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:

     

    In-person meetings at Columbia High:

    March 14, 2023 @ 5:00-6:00 PM
    April 3, 2023 @ 5:00-6:00 PM
    April 26, 2023 @5:00-6:00 PM

    Virtual Meetings:

    March 1, 2023@ 10:00-11:00 AM/5:30-6:30 PM
    March 7, 2023@10:00-11:00 AM/5:30-6:30 PM
    March 21, 2023@10:00-11:00 AM/5:30-6:30 PM
    March 29, 2023@11:00AM-12:00 PM/5:30-6:30 PM
    April 5, 2023@11:00AM-12:00 PM/5:00-6:00 PM