This award celebrates the individuals and/or organizations moving beyond silos to create a more connected New Jersey. The STEM Collaborator develops partnerships and combines resources to provide outstanding STEM programming and establish clear career pathways in their community and beyond. To qualify, submissions must exhibit collaborations between three or more individuals or organizations.
Over the past three years, this collaboration has grown into a powerful model of community-driven STEM engagement. By bringing together the Paterson P-TECH Planetarium and its student leaders, the Paterson Museum, Great Falls National Historical Park, and NASA Solar System Ambassador Michael Greene, the partnership has created high-quality, student-led programming that inspires curiosity and expands access to STEM learning. Each partner contributes unique expertise—ranging from STEM content, planetarium access, and student volunteers to exhibit space, marketing, programming support, and professional STEM guidance—resulting in a dynamic and well-rounded experience.
Offered entirely free of charge, these programs ensure that families, particularly in underserved communities, have access to meaningful STEM opportunities. With all efforts supported through volunteer time, the collaboration reflects a strong shared commitment to impact. Paterson P-TECH students play a central role as facilitators and mentors, gaining leadership experience while helping to inspire the next generation of STEM learners.