2025 NJ STEM Month

Co-Inventing Adaptive Devices

Hosting Organization: South Jersey Robotics

Counties: Salem, Camden, Gloucester, Atlantic

This year, NJ STEM Month aligned perfectly with the grand opening of a newly renovated Robotics Lab, offering the community an exclusive look at state-of-the-art equipment, including a laser cutter, lathe, and CNC machine.

The event served as a powerful showcase of how these advanced tools are revolutionizing STEM education. High school students enrolled in the pre-engineering program are not only learning technical skills—they’re applying them to real-world challenges. Through hands-on projects, students design and fabricate adaptive devices for individuals in need. One standout project—pediatric swim fins—can now be produced with enhanced speed and precision, offering support to children with decreased mobility and muscle weakness. These fins are designed to assist counselors working with young swimmers, enhancing therapeutic and mobility programs.

What sets this program apart is its reciprocal impact. Students gain practical experience in engineering and design while collaborating directly with end users to develop solutions that make a difference. This fusion of education and community service captures the true spirit of NJ STEM Month—empowering the next generation of innovators while contributing meaningfully to the lives of others.

As STEM advancements are celebrated, this milestone reminds us that innovation is most impactful when it serves a purpose. The Robotics Lab stands not only as a space for learning, but as a hub for creativity, problem-solving, and social good.

The community’s support and participation in the grand opening event underscore the shared commitment to inspiring young minds and building a brighter future through STEM.