The HSMC (Hunterdon County, Somerset County, and Mercer County) STEM Ecosystem believes in the founda- tional principle that communities must come together for the benefit of providing STEM opportunities for all. The Ecosystem brings together multiple superintendents of schools from Hunterdon, Somerset, and Mercer Counties in New Jersey. HSMC STEM ECOSYSTEM (Hunterdon, Somerset and Mercer Counties)
Key Programs
Exxon Mobil: Girls in STEM In an effort to engage more girls in STEM, Exx- on Mobil scientists spend the day with 8th grade girls for a day filled with STEM-tastic learning! The eighth-grade girls spend the day with engineers to practice their skills at collaboration, problem-solv- ing, brainstorming, with some math, science, cre- ativity, and ingenuity thrown-in. New Jersey Makers Day Community members of all ages join together in a fun-filled day with creative hands-on activities with a STEM focus. New Jersey Maker’s Day, held in downtown Flemington, brings together innovation, creativity, and inspires growth in the fields of sci- ence, technology, engineering, arts, math and more. Maker’s Day seeks to enhance community engage- ment and facilitate connections among New Jersey residents by exploring new and interesting opportu- nities for community-wide education, entrepreneur- ship, and hands-on learning experiences. Women in STEM Lunch and Learn The Lunch and Learn program was co-sponsored by the National Science Honor Society and a Robotics team. Individuals were invited to talk about STEM careers. Hunterdon Robotics Hunterdon Robotics believes in sparking interest in STEM at an early age. Over 90% of their alumni have gone on to college in a STEM-related field. This partner group works closely with other local organi- zations to support numerous STEM clubs. Family Science Nights All families in the areas are invited to participate in robot builds, demonstrations, hands-on STEM activi- ties and take-home robotics builds. Girl Scout STEM Night The Girl Scout STEM event was led by a local Girl Scout Troop. The girls work on their “Robotics” badge and participate in STEM activities and learn- ing events. Maker’s Nights These nights are focused on bringing the commu- nity together to engage in learning and “making” together. Student agency and leadership from students is promoted through peer leaders, The College of New Jersey and the Robotics Clubs, as well as Women in STEM club members participate.
Additional support comes from business industries, high- er education institutions, private and public preschools, local arts organizations, environmental education cen- ters, before-school and after-school providers, and municipal leaders.
All partners are working with the intention to unite each of their efforts for communities to impact New Jersey’s STEM workforce gap and to ensure students have a positive STEM identity. HSMC STEM Ecosystem members are committed to guiding principles that provide STEM opportunities for all students, support to community leaders, and partnerships between K-12 institutions and higher education institutions.
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