What is the Newark STEM Ecosystem?

The Newark STEM Ecosystem (NewarkSTEM) focuses on workforce readiness and envisions a support system that prepares the Pre-K-20 students to participate in the 21st Century STEM/STEAM workforce. We are organized in alignment with the STEM Learning Ecosystems. As part of this community of practice, NewarkSTEM aligns with their conception of why ecosystems are needed and what they do.

Newark STEM’s Mission 

Newark STEM’s mission will be to empower students’ success by identifying and engaging with strategic partners, resources, and stakeholders to co-design an inclusive educational support system that works towards equitable outcomes for a diverse population of K-20 students, especially in Newark and its environs including the counties of Essex, Morris, Passaic, Sussex, Union, and Warren New Jersey.  

We have aligned our  goals with those of the  STEM Learning Ecosystems Initiative Goals to help connect the Newark STEM community to and become active members in the STEM Learning Ecosystems, a national network of their peers and STEM leaders. Together, we will support our community in creating connected STEM-rich learning opportunities for children, youth, and their families across the educational continuum from preschool through higher education and the workforce. 

What Are Our Goals and Objectives?

Goal 1: Coordinate existing resources and recruit new partners to leverage their activities that promote STEM and workforce development

  • Objective 1.1 – Develop the backbone to support recruitment and ecosystem growth
  • Objective 1.2 – Build a coalition of STEM professionals

Goal 2: Generate, maintain, and share interest in activities geared toward workforce readiness and educational success

  • Objective 2.1 – Establish Newark STEM web and social media presence
  • Objective 2.2 – Organize and run meetings and the Annual Workshop 

Goal 3: Engage and maintain connections with students and other stakeholders

  • Objective 3.1 – Hold events for stakeholders
  • Objective 3.2 – Hold events for students
  • Objective 3.3 – Organize and coordinate STEM Month activities to be shared on NJSPN calendar, STEM For Success  Showcase, and other media outlets. 

Involvement

Everyone is welcome to become part of Newark STEM. We need to:

  1. Create a mailing list and means of gathering and cataloging what is already happening in our region related to STEM.
  2. Develop the language for a STEM Community pledge or commitment tied to indicators or metrics for our on-going work to grow our community.
  3. Provide a community space for sharing needs and opportunities via the web, a calendar/form, and/or newsletter.