On Saturday, May 11, 2024, Cape May County resident Justen Wen graduated from the Governor’s STEM Scholars, a program of the Research & Development Council of New Jersey. Wen is one of 123 New Jersey high school and college students to complete the year-long program, which provides a 360° view of New Jersey’s STEM economy through conferences, lab tours, and research.
A public-private partnership among the Research & Development Council of New Jersey, the Governor’s Office, New Jersey Department of Education, the New Jersey Office of the Secretary of Higher Education, and public and private research companies, the Governor’s STEM Scholars provides high-achieving high school, college, and graduate students with a comprehensive introduction to the state’s STEM economy. The Scholars are a diverse and representative group of student leaders from all over the Garden State who excel in STEM and are interested in pursuing STEM-related majors and careers.
“Over the past year, 123 of New Jersey’s most promising high school and college students have received an immersive look into the state’s STEM economy, better preparing them for their careers here in the Garden State,” said Alise Roderer, director of the Governor’s STEM Scholars. “As a Governor’s STEM Scholar, Justen Wen gained a unique introduction to New Jersey’s STEM economy and opportunities through conferences, field trips, internship opportunities, and a collaborative research project.”
Throughout the academic year, Justen, a senior at Middle Township High School, participated in four conferences to explore different aspects of New Jersey’s STEM economy focusing on STEM in government, academia, and industry. Each Scholar was led by a college-level team leader, mentored through professional STEM advisors, and produced a community-based research project.
As graduates of the Governor’s STEM Scholars, students will have access to the Governor’s STEM Scholars alumni network of over 800 students, which will enable them to stay connected to STEM jobs and opportunities within the state.
Applications for the 2024-2025 Governor’s STEM Scholars program are still open through June 14, 2024. For more information visit Gov STEM Scholars.
