Nova and Supernova Awards Program
for
Cub Scouts, Webelos Scouts,
Boy Scouts, Varsity Scouts,
Venturers, and Sea Scouts

The requirements listed on this site are taken from the
Cub Scout, Boy Scout, and Venturer Nova Awards Guidebooks (34032 / SKU-614935) (34033 / SKU-614936) (34031 / SKU-614934) 2012 Printing

STEM is an acronym representing Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics.

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Nova Awards

The Nova awards are available to all youth registered in the BSA.  There are awards designed for youth in the Cub Scout, Boy Scout, and Venturing programs, and are optional in each program. Requirements must be completed while registered in the BSA in the appropriate program and subject to standard age limitations.

There are four Nova awards in each program — one for each STEM area — and a member can earn all four in each program level. Completion of any Nova award earns a youth member the right to wear the Nova award patch. Completion of each additional STEM Nova award is recognized by a pi (π) pin placed on the patch. Each award builds on the STEM-related topic, involves hands-on activities, and often includes a field trip.

Supernova Awards

The Supernova awards recognize superior achievement in the STEM fields and require significantly more effort than the Nova awards. There is one Supernova award available to Cub Scouts, one available to Webelos Scouts, two available to Boy Scouts, and three to Venturers.

For complete requirements and more information about the Nova and Supernova awards, refer to the appropriate Nova Awards Guidebook, or go to www.scouting.org/stem.aspx.

The requirements for each of the awards are also available on this site and may be found using the links below.

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