2025
NJ STEM Month Recap
Highlights from NJ STEM Month 2025
NJ STEM Month 2025
In 2024, New Jersey witnessed a remarkable convergence of minds, passions, and aspirations during the celebration of NJ STEM Month. With an ambitious goal set to impact 60,000 learners, people from all corners of the state united in celebration of STEM, coming together to support NJ STEM Month and foster a culture of innovation and exploration. As we reflect on this remarkable journey, we’re thrilled to unveil the collective impact of our efforts—a testament to the power of collaboration and dedication to STEM in NJ. Join us as we delve into the highlights of NJ STEM Month 2025, showcasing the astounding number of learners enriched, the multitude of events that ignited inspiration, and the outstanding achievements of our STEM Month award winners.
NJ STEM Month 2025
By the Numbers
NJ STEM Month Mini-Grants
Thanks to the generosity of American Water and the Overdeck Family Foundation, 2025 NJ STEM Month mini-grants of up to $500 were awarded to different organizations with the purpose of enhancing their STEM Month events. Interested in applying for a mini-grant next year but not sure what kind of event you’d like to host? Visit our 2025 mini-grant stories page for inspiration!
49
Mini Grant Awardees
20,310
Learners
Impacted
19
Counties
Impacted
#NJSTEMMonth Twitter contest
All organizations are encouraged to join the conversation on Twitter by following @NJSTEMPathways and @RDCouncilNJ and using #NJSTEMMonth.
One lucky winner receives a $100 Amazon gift card along with other prizes.
STEM Showcase at the state house
On March 24th, several organizations had the chance to showcase their STEM work to legislators at the State House in Trenton. Watch our STEM Showcase highlight video on the right.
In addition to attending the in-person STEM Showcase at the State House, organizations had the opportunity to be featured in a STEM Showcase booklet which was handed out to the legislators. Check out the book by clicking on the link below.
STEM Month Awards
The NJ STEM Month Awards are opportunities to highlight the most outstanding examples of leadership, collaboration and achievement in STEM in New Jersey.
Take a look at the 2025 award winners below.
2025 STEM Month Awards Winners
STEM Advocate of the Year: Jaimee Diogo, STEM Like a Girl
Celebrating a true spokesperson for STEM in New Jersey, this honor highlights an organization or individual who most effectively communicates the importance of STEM to New Jersey and its citizens. The NJSPN STEM Advocate of the Year is making big waves to ensure the Garden State continues to lead the nation in innovation and meaningful work.
Jaimee’s leadership in expanding STEM Like a Girl has empowered young girls to pursue STEM fields Additionally, her hands-on instruction at local elementary schools through the South Mountain YMCA has made STEM learning accessible and engaging for diverse students.
STEM Civic Leadership Award: Joseph Burns, FAA William J. Hughes Technical Center
Organization or individual who demonstrates extraordinary civic leadership in STEM in their community. This award will be provided to those who have sought to improve and enhance the quality of STEM in their community through initiatives that include volunteerism, mentorship, and/or training.
Joseph’s lifelong dedication—from mentoring students and teaching aviation to establishing the FAA William J. Hughes Technical Center’s Aviation STEM Program—has made a lasting impact. Even in retirement, his passion continues through 30+ outreach events in the past three years, inspiring future STEM leaders.
STEM Collaboration of the Year: Union College of Union County, led by Dr. Mohamed Mohamed & Dr. Donovan Smalls
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.
Dr. Mohamed and Dr. Smalls’ collaboration on the Vertical Farm Hydroponic STEM-Business Project connected the STEM and Social Sciences, Business & History Divisions at UCNJ, engaging 45+ students in a real-world, student-led initiative. By integrating engineering, technology, marketing, finance, and project management, the project not only cultivated fresh produce through sustainable vertical farming but also promoted food accessibility via the college’s food pantry and community events.
STEM Corporate Champion of the Year: AT&T
An honor highlighting an organization that has demonstrated a deep commitment to supporting New Jersey’s STEM economy.
AT&T has demonstrated this commitment by partnering with local schools and organizations to host a variety of STEM programs in their region.
STEM Educator of the Year: Halil Ozer, Thomas Edison Energysmart Charter School
Awarded to an individual or organization that has dedicated their time and energy to successfully improving STEM learning outcomes for students in New Jersey. The STEM Educator of the Year understands STEM as more than an acronym and promotes STEM as a way of thinking, developing a growth mindset and STEM identities in all learners.
Halil’s mentorship has guided his First Tech Challenge team to remarkable success, including a 150th world ranking and securing $80,000+ in robotics resources. Beyond technical expertise, he inspires future STEM leaders by organizing guest speakers, field trips to Lockheed Martin, and supporting student-led initiatives like Circuit for Change, which has impacted thousands through social media.
Check out our NJ STEM Month one-pager!
This document provides additional information about NJ STEM Month that can easily be shared with others.