Jersey Shore STEM Ecosystem
About Us
Who We Are
The Jersey Shore STEM Ecosystem is a collaborative effort led by Christine Girtain from Toms River Regional Schools in Ocean County and Jelena Komitas from Manalapan High School, Freehold Regional High School District in Monmouth County. This initiative brings together educators, businesses, and community organizations to enhance STEM education across the Jersey Shore ensuring equitable access for all students.
Mission
The Jersey Shore Ecosystem build an inclusive STEM network that offers high-quality professional development, supports innovation, and creates a strong K-Industry STEM pipeline for students to explore and prepare for diverse careers.
Vision
By establishing and growing a dynamic STEM network of educational institutions, businesses, community organizations and government agencies we envision to create opportunities in our communities for high-quality STEM professional development for educators and to grow student STEM engagement.
Our Goals
1. Build Collaborative Partnerships
Goal: Establish and expand a diverse network of educational institutions, businesses, community organizations, and government agencies to foster collaboration in STEM education.
Objective: Develop new partnerships within the next two years, creating joint initiatives and programs that align with the vision of providing high-quality STEM education.
2. Enhance STEM Learning Opportunities
Goal: Increase equitable access to innovative STEM learning experiences for educators and students across all grade levels.
Objective: Launch and expand new STEM programs, workshops, or events annually, including underrepresented and underserved communities to ensure that every student has the opportunity to explore and prepare for STEM careers.
3. Promote STEM Career Awareness and Preparation
Goal: Raise awareness of diverse STEM career paths and provide resources for students to prepare for these careers.
Objective: Organize events, mentorship and internship opportunities with industry professionals to help students understand and pursue various STEM career options.
