2026
NJ STEM Month Recap
Highlights from NJ STEM Month 2026
NJ STEM Month 2026
In 2026, 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 2026, 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 2026
By the Numbers
NJ STEM Month Mini-Grants
Thanks to the generosity of American Water, Comcast and the Overdeck Family Foundation, 2026 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 2026 mini-grant stories page for inspiration!
51
Mini Grant Awardees
8K+
Learners
Impacted
19
Counties
Impacted
#NJSTEMMonth Social contest
All organizations are encouraged to join the conversation on LinkedIn, Twitter or Instagram by following @NJSTEMPathways and @RDCouncilNJ and using #NJSTEMMonth.
One lucky winner receives a $100 Amazon gift card along with other prizes.
STEM Showcase Booklet
Every year, NJSPN invites organizations to apply to be included in a STEM Showcase Booklet, offering a valuable opportunity to showcase their work, amplify their reach, and connect with partners, policymakers, and the broader STEM community.
This year’s booklet highlights a diverse group of organizations from across the state—including higher education institutions, K–12 schools, nonprofit organizations, and more—all working year-round to advance STEM education and programming. Each featured organization represents the incredible innovation, collaboration, and impact happening throughout the state.
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 2026 award winners below.
2026 STEM Month Awards Winners
STEM Advocate of the Year: HealthCare Institute of New Jersey (HINJ)
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.
HINJ’s launch of the weekly “NJ Innovates” campaign in June has played a powerful role in educating the public, media, key opinion leaders, and other stakeholders about New Jersey’s historic role as a global hub of innovation and medical advances. By reinforcing our state’s reputation as the “Medicine Chest of the World” and amplifying this message through a series of op-eds in New Jersey media outlets, HINJ has further elevated awareness of the state’s leadership in science, advanced manufacturing, and its broader innovation economy.
These efforts exemplify true STEM advocacy — not only celebrating innovation, but ensuring that policymakers, communities, and the public understand why STEM remains vital to New Jersey’s future.
STEM Civic Leadership Award: Richard Anderson, Director of Emerging Technology at Rutgers University
This award honors an 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.
As Director of Emerging Technology (EmTech) for Rutgers University’s Office for Online Educational Services, Richard leads innovative applications of AI, XR, robotics, and immersive technologies in higher education. A deep commitment to community-based STEM education distinguishes his work, particularly through his service as Principal Advisor to Sussex County 4-H STEM. What began with five students has grown into a thriving program where young innovators build robots, code, and design real-world engineering projects under his mentorship.
Richard’s dedication to serving students without expectation of recognition reflects the true essence of civic leadership.
STEM Collaboration of the Year: Paterson Museum, Paterson Great Falls National Park, P-Tech Planetarium/ Paterson Public Schools and NASA Solar System Ambassador
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.
Over the past three years, this collaboration has grown into a powerful model of community-driven STEM engagement. By bringing together the Paterson P-TECH Planetarium and its student leaders, the Paterson Museum, Great Falls National Historical Park, and NASA Solar System Ambassador Michael Greene, the partnership has created high-quality, student-led programming that inspires curiosity and expands access to STEM learning. Each partner contributes unique expertise—ranging from STEM content, planetarium access, and student volunteers to exhibit space, marketing, programming support, and professional STEM guidance—resulting in a dynamic and well-rounded experience.
Offered entirely free of charge, these programs ensure that families, particularly in underserved communities, have access to meaningful STEM opportunities. With all efforts supported through volunteer time, the collaboration reflects a strong shared commitment to impact. Paterson P-TECH students play a central role as facilitators and mentors, gaining leadership experience while helping to inspire the next generation of STEM learners.
STEM Corporate Champion of the Year: American Water
An honor highlighting an organization that has demonstrated a deep commitment to supporting New Jersey’s STEM economy.
American Water demonstrates corporate STEM leadership through the American Water Charitable Foundation’s targeted investments in workforce and youth development across New Jersey. By supporting occupational training, industry-recognized credentials, mentorship, and career exploration for underserved youth, their funding expands equitable access to high-demand STEM fields. Initiatives such as the STEMinist program further highlights their hands-on commitment to engaging K–12 students — particularly young women — in STEM education and career pathways.
STEM Educator of the Year: Sheila Tabanli, Ph.D., Associate Teaching Professor of Mathematics at Rutgers University
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.
As Associate Teaching Professor of Mathematics at Rutgers University–New Brunswick, Dr. Tabanli has transformed how students experience mathematics through a research-driven, student-centered approach. Through the development of the 3C Pedagogical Model and work bridging cognitive science with classroom practice, students are empowered to build confidence, strengthen problem-solving skills, and view challenges as opportunities for growth—gaining not only mastery of complex concepts, but the ability to learn effectively across all STEM disciplines.
Beyond the classroom, Dr. Tabanli’s leadership extends to broadening access to STEM through partnerships with the Rutgers SAS Educational Opportunity Fund Program, mentorship of future educators, and active involvement in diversity and inclusion initiatives. This work continues to strengthen pathways and foster a sense of belonging for historically underrepresented students, exemplifying a deep commitment to advancing positive STEM identities and evidence-based teaching.
Check out our NJ STEM Month one-pager!
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