The modern conveniences we all know and can’t live without – from computers to mobile devices, beauty products and the systems that power our homes – wouldn’t be available if not for the talented individuals in STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics) fields. Since the inaugural class in 2014, the PSEG Foundation has been providing funding for the Governor’s STEM Scholars Program. This program helps young minds in the state discover the unlimited possibilities in STEM fields.
“The PSEG Foundation is working to address equity and increase accessibility to quality STEM education for underrepresented youth by collaborating with school-time providers, higher education and industry partners to make systematic changes. We are pleased to support the Governor’s STEM Scholars Program and its efforts to support the STEM ecosystem, preparing students for their future.” – Calvin Ledford, PSEG
The Governor’s STEM Scholars Program is a public-private partnership between the Research & Development Council of New Jersey, the New Jersey Office of the Governor, the New Jersey Department of Education, the New Jersey Office of the Secretary of Higher Education and several private entities, including PSEG and nonprofit organizations. This program is designed to help high-achieving STEM students in grades 10 through the doctoral level with an introduction to New Jersey’s vast STEM economy.
Participating students receive an opportunity to expand their knowledge of STEM, gain valuable research experience and meet with top industry leaders. STEM education has three objectives: 1) engage students; 2) foster success in higher education and STEM careers; and 3) support energy and environmental education.
“The PSEG Foundation is working to address equity and increase accessibility to quality STEM education for underrepresented youth by collaborating with school-time providers, higher education and industry partners to make systematic changes,” said Calvin Ledford, president of the PSEG Foundation. “We are pleased to support the Governor’s STEM Scholars Program and its efforts to support the STEM ecosystem, preparing students for their future.”
To date, the PSEG Foundation has provided $120k in funding for the program. This year’s contribution from the PSEG Foundation will go toward a study by Rutgers University’s John J. Heldrich Center for Workforce Development to track scholars and their impact on the community, which will ultimately help with increasing programming for the scholars.