Our Impact
Connecting education, industry, government, and communities to build STEM pathways for every New Jersey learner — from cradle to career.
Since 2014, the New Jersey STEM Pathways Network has worked to attract, cultivate, and retain a 21st-century STEM workforce in the Garden State. Here is what that work adds up to — across our regional ecosystems, the STEM Innovation Fund, and statewide programs like NJ STEM Month.
By the Numbers
Regional STEM Ecosystems
The NJSPN currently oversees eight STEM learning ecosystems representing seventeen counties across New Jersey. Each one connects schools, higher education, industry, and community partners at the regional level — and participates in a worldwide community of practice of 120+ STEM Learning Ecosystems.
The STEM Innovation Fund
Through the New Jersey STEM Strategic Advisory Board, the STEM Innovation Fund has awarded nearly $370,000 to 17 organizations since 2023 — funding makerspaces, robotics teams, greenhouse science, and career-readiness programs that together reach more than 91,000 learners in every corner of the state.
NJ STEM Month
Each March, New Jersey celebrates STEM Month — a statewide celebration designated by the State Legislature. In 2026, more than 100 events across 19 counties reached an estimated 60,000+ learners, and 52 mini-grants helped schools, libraries, and nonprofits bring hands-on STEM experiences throughout the state.
Measuring What Matters
Impact starts with good data. The New Jersey STEM Data Dashboard — developed with the John J. Heldrich Center for Workforce Development at Rutgers University — tracks student participation, equity, performance, and real-world connections in STEM across the state.
Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about the New Jersey STEM Pathways Network and its impact.
The New Jersey STEM Pathways Network (NJSPN) is a strategic public-private alliance established in 2014 by the New Jersey Office of the Secretary of Higher Education to define and guide a STEM vision for cradle-to-career pathways in New Jersey. It is managed by the Research & Development Council of New Jersey.
Since 2023, the network’s STEM Innovation Fund has awarded nearly $250,000 to 12 organizations, supporting programs that reach more than 91,000 learners. Its eight regional STEM ecosystems and the annual NJ STEM Month celebration engage tens of thousands of additional students, educators, and families across the state every year.
STEM ecosystems are regional alliances of schools, higher education, industry, nonprofits, and community partners that deliver STEM education collaboratively. The NJSPN currently oversees eight STEM learning ecosystems representing ten New Jersey counties, and each participates in a worldwide community of practice of 111 STEM Learning Ecosystems.
NJ STEM Month is New Jersey’s statewide celebration of science, technology, engineering, and math held each March, as designated by the New Jersey State Legislature. In 2025, more than 100 events across 19 counties reached an estimated 56,000+ learners, and 49 mini-grants helped schools, libraries, and nonprofits bring hands-on STEM experiences to 20,310 students.
The network tracks statewide indicators through the New Jersey STEM Data Dashboard, developed with the John J. Heldrich Center for Workforce Development at Rutgers University. The dashboard monitors student participation, equity, performance, and real-world connections in STEM education across New Jersey.
Organizations can join a regional STEM ecosystem, host or sponsor an NJ STEM Month event, apply for a mini-grant, or nominate a STEM champion for the network’s annual awards. Visit the Join page to get started.
Be Part of New Jersey’s STEM Story
Join a regional ecosystem, host an NJ STEM Month event, or help fund the next generation of STEM programs.