Starting this fall, Gloucester High School will welcome students into two new academic programs designed to help them excel in the areas of STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering and Math) and health sciences.

The STEM Academy expects to open with 34 students while the Governor’s Health Sciences Academy (GHSA) will likely open with 30 GHS students and 10 from Mathews High School.

Anne Petersen and Rusty West are the co-administrators of the STEM Academy. Petersen said nationwide there has been a focus on developing a strong academic foundation in the areas of science, technology, engineering and mathematics with the goal of providing more employees for these growing career fields.

The STEM Academy provides students with course pathways in the fields of engineering, environmental science and the biomedical/health sciences. It will also provide enrichment opportunities in each of these areas, Petersen said.

To participate in the STEM Academy, students must apply in Januar...