Student Programs & Competitions
Beyond the Classroom
HSA Davenport offers a variety of programs and competitions that give students the chance to explore big ideas, express themselves artistically, and hone their critical-thinking skills. Whether it is building a LEGO robot or performing a spoken word piece, our students deepen their curiosity through hands-on learning with their peers.
Here’s an overview of the programs and competitions we offer at HSA New Bedford.


Concept Young Scholars Program (CYSP)
CYSP pairs 5-12th graders with mentors who help them develop their character, improve their academic success, and prepare them for life after high school. Through community service, local and international trips, and other activities, CYSP participants broaden their worldview and get the support they need to stay on track to graduate.


MathCON
MathCON is one of the most prestigious math programs in North America. Through a series of competitions and activities throughout the year, students are able to engage with advanced math subjects they normally wouldn’t get exposed to in a traditional classroom setting.



Art & Language Festival
The Art & Language Festival is a celebration of a global language, art, dance, music, and song, where students share their talents on stage. It is held every year in Chicago and gives students a taste of cultures they haven’t experienced before.


Spoken Word Competition
Our Spoken Word Competition is more than a collection of student performances––it is a rare space for young people to speak their truth and connect with their peers. Every year, students come together to share their pieces and engage with spoken word as an art form.



Codeathon
Codeathon is a computer science design challenge where students collaboratively develop a computer science solution to a real-world issue in just three weeks before presenting their solution virtually.


Concept Alumni Network
Once a student joins a Concept network school, they’re always a part of our community. The Concept Alumni Network is a way for former students to stay connected with their school and fellow graduates. By supporting one another, students can give back to their alma mater and help the next generation of future leaders find their way in the world.



Future Institute
It is never too early to start thinking about your future. That’s why we encourage students to sign up for Future Institute––a program that supports 12th-grade and alumni college students as they contemplate their transition to higher education, college persistence, and their career ambitions.
STEMCON

STEMCON is where innovation comes alive. Held every year in Chicago, STEMCON is dedicated to inspiring students from across the nation to show off their creativity and curiosity through a variety of STEM-related activities. It’s broken up into these parts:

Concept Science and Engineering Fair (CONSEF)
Students showcase their STEM skills through project presentations and friendly competition.

STEM Expo
Students present models, prototypes, and experiments that illustrate key scientific principles in engaging and entertaining ways.

RoboCon
RoboCON challenges students to design, build, and program robots that face off in thrilling competitions.

Math Olympics
This event challenges students to push beyond formulas and calculations and embrace the power of mathematical thinking to tackle complex problems.
"I just felt a real sense of knowing that someone here today [at STEMCON], some young person, is going to do something great. I am just happy to say that I was here at a time when they start their careers."
Marcia Fudge
Former United States Representative and Secretary of Housing and Urban Development