2024
NJ STEM Month Recap
Highlights from NJ STEM Month 2024
NJ STEM Month 2024
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 40,000 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 2024, 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 2024
By the Numbers
NJ STEM Month Mini-Grants
Thanks to the generosity of American Water, Comcast and the Overdeck Family Foundation, 2024 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 2024 mini-grant stories page for inspiration!
61
Participating Organizations
20,310
Learners
Impacted
21
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.
Check out some of tweets from 2024!
STEM Showcase at the state house
On March 18th, 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 2024 award winners below.
2024 STEM Month Awards Winners
STEM Advocate of the Year: Makeba Green, Founder of the International Girls Academy
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.
Makeba Green received this award for her dedication to increasing access to STEM education and career pathways through a variety of programs and events offered by the International Girls Academy.
STEM Civic Leadership Award: New Jersey Manufacturing Extension Program
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.
NJMEP was recognized for this honor for their Future Makers and Creators Tours that provide students the opportunity to learn about and experience modern manufacturing firsthand.
STEM Collaboration of the Year: Federal Aviation Administration William J Hughes Technical Center (FAAWJHTC) Aviation STEM Program, FAAWJHTC Airport Technology Branch, Naval Air Station Wildwood Museum and Cape May Airport
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.
This year’s STEM Collaboration honorees collaborated on a Student Day at the Naval Air Station Wildwood Museum where students were able to learn about Cape May county’s aviation history and the future of aviation.
STEM Corporate Champion of the Year: Puratos
An honor highlighting an organization that has demonstrated a deep commitment to supporting New Jersey’s STEM economy.
From sponsoring a baking school at the Pennsauken School district (part of the South Jersey STEM Ecosystem) to promote the students career interests and build a talent pipeline to hosting lectures on the science of food, Puratos has been an integral part of all that this award encompasses.
STEM Educator of the Year: Christopher Kunkel, Hoboken 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.
From mentoring several FIRST LEGO League and FIRST Tech Challenge teams to running summer STEM programs, Christopher has made an incredible impact on so many students and truly deserve this acknowledgement.
Check out our NJ STEM Month one-pager!
This document provides additional information about NJ STEM Month that can easily be shared with others.