S3 E5 STEM, Belonging, and Big Ideas: Inside Beehive Science & Technology Academy

About this episode

Bold by Choice, powered by the National Charter Schools Institute, is hosted by Vashaunta Harris and Jim Goenner. In this episode, they travel to Utah to spotlight a school that proves what’s possible when STEM education, diversity, and belonging come together with purpose.

Our guest is Halis Kablan, Secondary Principal at Beehive Science and Technology Academy—a school that began nearly 20 years ago with just 150 students in the basement of an office building and has grown into a thriving K–12 STEM community serving nearly 880 students.

Beehive was founded on a bold belief: science and technology education is for everyone—especially immigrant, multilingual, and underrepresented students. Today, the school serves families from 48 countries, speaking 60+ languages, making it one of the most diverse school communities in Utah.

In this conversation, Halis shares his personal journey—from studying biology in Turkey and discovering teaching by chance, to dedicating 18 years to Beehive’s mission of equity through STEM. He reflects on what keeps educators committed for decades, why students want to come to school, and how hands-on learning unlocks joy, confidence, and passion.

You’ll hear powerful stories from inside Beehive’s classrooms, including:

• Students designing, testing, and launching hot air balloons and rockets

• Robotics teams competing at state, national, and international levels

• Alumni returning to mentor current students

• Teachers integrating STEM across every subject—from kindergarten through high school

• A culture where being “into STEM,” robotics, or D&D is celebrated, not sidelined

Beehive’s results speak for themselves: the school has been named a U.S. News & World Report Best High School multiple years in a row and ranked #1 in Utah for five consecutive years—all while staying rooted in community, collaboration, and love for students.

As Halis reminds us, the real measure of success isn’t just rankings—it’s when students come home excited to talk about their day, when shy learners find their voice, and when passion turns into purpose.

If you believe excellence doesn’t require perfect conditions—only clarity of mission—this episode is for you.

Share this conversation with an educator, leader, or parent who believes in STEM for all, culturally responsive education, and schools built on belonging.

And don’t forget to share your own #SchoolBrag story—we want to hear how your school is building possibility for students.

Stay bold. Stay curious. Stay in the community.