NOVA Awards

We wanted to make sure you were familiar with some of the optional programs available through the BSA... specifically, the Cub Scout Nova Awards which is a STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering and Math) program. Nova Awards are the Boy Scouts of America initiative to encourage curiosity in these integral fields of the future.

As part of the Cub Scouts Nova STEM program, Scouts can earn two different awards. The hope is that the requirements and activities for earning these awards stimulate interest in STEM-related fields and shows how science, technology, engineering and mathematics apply to everyday living and the world around them.

Nova Pi Pin

The Nova Awards program has four Nova awards for Cub Scouts. Each award covers one component of STEM—science, technology, engineering, or mathematics. Boys may earn a patch for the first award and a pi pin for each of the remaining three awards. NOVA Pi Pin

Nova Pi Pin The NOVA awards can be earned by working with your parent or adult leader.

There are four modules for Cub Scouts and Webelos. (Please note only Wolf, Bear, Webelos or AOL are eligible.)



Science: Science Everywhere – This sections helps scouts discover how science impacts our everyday life.





Technology:  Tech Talk – Boys learn how far-reaching technology is.







Engineering: Swing - explores engineering and simple machines such as levers.






Math:  1-2-3 Go – Cub Scouts discover how and why math is such an integral part of our daily lives.


For a more intense study of STEM topics, Cub Scouts can work on the Supernova award.

Unlike the Nova award where the parent can be the counselor, the Supernova award requires that boys work with a council-approved mentor.

Do you work in a Science, Technology, Engineering or Mathematical career and think you'd like to serve for our Unit as a Nova counselor for the youth seeking this award? You simply need to complete an adult membership application. However, to be a Supernova mentor, you must complete THIS application as well. All Nova counselors and Supernova mentors must have current BSA Youth Protection training and certification appropriate for the programs being administered.

To learn more about the Nova counselor and Supernova mentor roles, you can review materials HERE.

Our Bears and Wolves can earn the Dr. Luis W. Alvarez Supernova Award. Webelos earn the Dr. Charles H. Townes Supernova Award. (Lions and Tigers aren’t eligible for these awards.)

FAQs on the STEM/NOVA experience can be found HERE.