CAPE MAY COURT HOUSE, NJ – Justen Wen, a senior at Middle Township High School (MTHS), will join the Class of 2024’s Governor’s STEM Scholars. The statewide program honors high-achieving high school and college students committed to being a part of New Jersey’s Science, Technology, Engineering and Math (STEM) economy. The Class of 2024 is comprised of 131 scholars from 20 New Jersey counties.
The scholars will participate in a research/engineering design project, led by undergraduate and graduate-level scholars, that advances the work of New Jersey’s research community; tour New Jersey STEM facilities and laboratories; and network with STEM professionals.
The Governor’s Stem Scholar program is the result of a public-private partnership among the Research & Development Council of New Jersey, the Governor’s Office, the New Jersey Department of Education, the New Jersey Office of the Secretary of Higher Education, and private research companies. The program hopes to retain future STEM professionals in the state.
“We’re so proud of our students. They’re hard-working, motivated, and showcase dedication to their craft in more ways than one,” said Superintendent Dr. David Salvo. “But it’s the students that go above and beyond, like Justen, that really put our little district on the map. We’re grateful for the teachers, staff, and other mentors that help facilitate the kind of environment that guides these students to success.”
Wen was selected for his dedication and outstanding work in STEM. He is the founding member of Middle Township High School’s Robotics Club and finds great interest in the engineering and computer science fields. Even as a child, Wen had a love for STEM and kept an inventions journal filled with ideas he hoped would one day impact the world.
Wen has received the Rensselaer Medal, President’s Volunteer Service Award, National Small Town and Rural Recognition, Distinguished Honor Roll, and Advanced Placement (AP) Scholar awards. He is also a youth leader of the area, representing Middle Township in the 2022 Hugh O’Brian Youth Foundation of New Jersey Leadership Conference, and 2023 Rotary Youth Leadership Conference.
He serves as President of MTHS’s National Honor Society, Vice President of Class, Vice President of Student Council, Vice President of Key Club, Officer of Interact Club, and Captain of the tennis team.
Wen is involved with his community and participates as a student ambassador and youth advisory board member. He also volunteers at the John Walter Cape Community Band and for the tennis One Love organization.
To view the full list of New Jersey Governor’s STEM Scholars, go to www.govstemscholars.com/scholars.
