Newark STEM
Ecosystem
Leading Organizations:
NJIT & Rutgers Newark
Dr. Alec Gates
Dr. Bruce Bukiet
NJIT
bukiet@njit.edu
Dr. James Lipuma
NJIT
lipuma@njit.edu
We Are STEAM
The Newark STEM Ecosystem is a 50 member cross-sector collaborative established in 2016 to prepare Newark students for STEAM careers and workforce opportunities. Our mission is to create a resource-rich ecosystem that prepares Newark’s PreK-16 students to fully participate in a 21st century workforce. Our Core Values Include:
- We Acknowledge Science & the Arts are Symbiotic—The Scientific Method and Design Process is intrinsically linked, aligned & work better together than apart.
- We Believe in the Arts—The Arts processes of Creativity, Design & Innovation are fundamental to achieving a deeper understanding of Science, Technology, Engineering and Math.
- We Believe in Creativity & Inquiry-Based Learning— Creativity is essential to deepening learning, improving outcomes and preparing for the workforce in a STEAM Continuum.
- We are Inclusive AND Aspirational—We recognize the significance of each STEAM discipline to our collective, and commit to deepening our knowledge across fields to develop a cohesive STEAM pipeline.
Our Ecosystem
Our coalition is comprised of 50 organizations representing the following sectors:
- Higher Education
- Pre-K Through Grade 12
- Business and Corporations
- Out of School Programs
- Funders & Philanthropic Organizations
- Non-Profit Organizations
- Community-Based Organizations
Our Priorities
Aligning STEAM in-school and Out-of-school Programs
Support STEAM Programming, CTE, Robotics, Geo-Science, Environmental, and Creative Tech
Workforce Development
Develop Tool that Aligns Schools with Business and Corporate Partners
Professional Development
Provide yearly PD Sessions for Middle and High school Educators
Our Strategic Goals
- Increase the percentage of Newark youth entering STEAM/ STEM educational and career pathways by enhancing processes that support equitable access.
- Grow interdisciplinary learning experiences (In-school/OST) that are culturally relevant, and career focused.
- Enhance STEAM-based learning standards (In-school/OST) to ensure that Newark learners are globally competitive.
Newark's Opportunity
- Newark is a City of Creativity, Innovation and Learning. The city educates over 80,000 students daily.
- Newark plays host major Tech conferences, Amazon Alexa and MetroLab Network 2018 National Summit.
- The nonprofit arts and culture sector is a $178.3 million industry in the City of Newark—one that supports 4,963 full- time equivalent jobs and generates $15.6 million in local and state government revenue (2017 The Arts & Economic Prosperity 5 Study).
- Newark is home to major corporate industries, Panasonic, Audible Inc., Prudential, Prudential Center, MARS, Horizon, and PSE&G
Newark is home to major arts and cultural institutions, New Jersey Performing Arts Center, The Newark Museum, The Newark Library, Newark Arts, WBGO, New Jersey Symphony Orchestra, many Art Galleries.
Our Programs
STEAM In-school and Out-of-school Time Programs
The Coalition supports the development and enhancement of STEAM pipeline programs in Newark schools. Through support from philanthropic partners such as the Victoria Foundation and Dodge Foundation, the Coalition has been able to provide grants for STEAM Academies, Coding, Robotics, Environmental Science, Wildlife and Conservation, Food Science, Engineer makerspace, and internship programs.
Bridges to STEAM Career Program
The Bridges to STEAM program aims to increase knowledge and interest i STEAM careers, through virtually engaging students with STEAM professionals. The program allows teachers to request STEAM professionals for virtual discussion from careers in Science, Engineering, Technology, Math and Creative Technology.
Professional Development for Teachers
The STEAM Coalition host 2-3 professional development sessions for Newark Teachers every year. Topics include, integrating Art standards into STEM teaching practices and developing an integrated STEAM curriculum.