We Launched! September 2020

The mission of the New Jersey STEM Pathways Network is to define and guide a statewide STEM vision for pre-K-to-career pathways in New Jersey.

Atlantic City is the newest member of the South Jersey STEM & Innovation Partnership STEM ecosystem. 

Through a project initiated  by the Atlantic City Initiatives Projects Office, members of the Atlantic City Executive Council (“Executive Council”) have joined together to participate in an international STEM Learning Ecosystem project by joining the  he South Jersey STEM & Innovation Partnership (“SJSIP”). SJSIPis one of  five New Jersey STEM ecosystems which are supported by the New Jersey STEM Pathways Network, an initiative managed by the Research & Development Council of New Jersey; its mission is to define and strengthen the cradle to career pathway for STEM education and skills. The STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics) ecosystem framework relies on creating strategic partnerships between industry, post-secondary education, K-12 schools, philanthropy, businesses and STEM-rich organizations engaged under a common STEM vision. There are nearly 90 recognized STEM ecosystems globally.

The Atlantic City ecosystem’s cohort’s K-12 partners  include: the Atlantic City School District, Atlantic Cape Community College, Stockton University, the Atlantic City Boys and Girls Club, Our Lady Star of the Sea and the Institute of Ideal Technology. Industry partners include AtlantiCare, Atlantic Electric, South Jersey Industries, Exelon Corporation.

What have we done so far

We’re a work in progress but have much to be proud of in such a short period of time. Here’s a look back at the projects we’ve started in the last few months.

‣ Created and distributed a survey to develop a community STE(A)M assets map to be created by the NJ Department of Community Affairs Planning Office;

‣ Worked with Stockton University on a federal EDA grant to include a K-12 and community college pathway into Stockton University in subject matter related to marine science, technology and the blue economy;

‣ Aligning the curriculums of the AC school district, ACCC, Stockton University and Ideal Technology Institute for cyber security credentials; ‣ Submitted a proposal to be a Fall 2021 host site for the Mark Cuban Foundation AI Bootcamp for high school students, with South Jersey Industries and Orsted LLC as committed corporate sponsors;

‣ In conversation with the AC Police and Fire Departments to create a complementary summer camp experience for AC high school students in the dual credit ACCC course to become FAA-certified drone operators. 

ATLANTIC CITY STEM ASSET SURVEY

The City of Atlantic City (AC) in conjunction with the Atlantic City Initiatives Project Office, a unit within the Division of Local Government Services under the New Jersey Department of Community Affairs (NJDCA), NJDCA's Local Planning Services Office, and the South Jersey STEM Innovation & Partnership would like your assistance with creating a science, technology, engineering and math (STEM) asset map for the Greater Atlantic City Area, which includes Atlantic City and other municipalities within Atlantic County. This map will be a valuable resource to help you find STEM facilities ( e.g. aquariums, museums, science centers, institutions of higher education, etc.), in-school and out-of-school curriculums and programs, and/or industry partner/employer programs (e.g. internships, co-ops, scholarships, fellowships, career workshops) locally working to ensure that our youth are prepared for 21st century careers through STEM.

WHO SHOULD TAKE THE SURVEY?

Industry – to understand the workforce skills being developed

Educators – to align, support and enhance curriculums and find facilities for programs

Parents – to find resources and programs for their children

Community – to access programs for adults for up-skilling, re-skilling changing career paths

THE YEAR AHEAD 2021

We have high hopes and good feelings about our chances to complete the projects begun in 2020. In 2021 we’ll execute the necessary details, seek grant funding and identify areas where stakeholders can get involved. While our initial projects have focused on high school students, we’ll soon generate projects targeted at K-8. Look forward also to seeing activities designed in partnership with the AC Chapter of the NAACP to reach the broader community on the importance of STE(A)M education for the future of Atlantic City.

What you can do now for 2021!

Spread the work; get others involved. Commit, plan, act! —————————————————————————————————————

Many thanks for your interest and dedication to this partnership! Atlantic City Initiatives Projects Office, DCA