Although the government officially recognizes hundreds of STEM degrees, simply choosing to study an existing field will not guarantee a young person a lifetime career. The very nature of the STEM field is constantly evolving as researchers and inventors build on past knowledge to spark innovation.

A 2013 study by the National Science Foundation (NSF) suggests a disconnect between skills desired by employers and professional development provided in graduate programs. Employers from diverse sectors expect STEM doctoral degree holders to have expert content knowledge, strong communication skills, a multidisciplinary focus, entrepreneurial and project management skills, a sense of professionalism, and the ability to apply knowledge across a broad context. Despite employer expectations, the NSF study indicates that today’s STEM graduate programs still leave critical gaps in skills focused on science communication, preparation for nonacademic careers, broadening the societal relevance of research (e.g., engaging non-science audiences, policy makers, and stakeholders through outreach), and entrepreneurship.

This portion of the BTPS STEM Academy aims to be student-designed and highly individualized. Since STEM career opportunities are so diverse, there should not be a “one size fits all” capstone project for you to complete. Rather, you will be designing your own project, under the guidance of the STEM Coordinator and a professional mentor, to meet your anticipated career preparation needs.

To the STEM Academy Class of 2021:

5 Years ago, the Brick Township Public School District started the STEM Academy Program with a shared vision of creating "an innovative educational experience that emphasizes the study of Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics" for its high achieving students. Last year, the program saw its first class of students represent the STEM Academy at graduation. Those students had been dubbed "the pioneer class" since they were the first ones to navigate the program and experience this innovative STEM learning model.

If the class of 2020 were the STEM Academy's "pioneers", the class of 2021 will go down in history as the program's "trailblazers". While their paths may had been traveled by previous students, our current senior class improved those pathways and truly set the example for what it means to be a STEM Academy student. Not only were these students able to meet all the program requirements during an unprecedented school year rife with unique challenges, but they did so with a passion and determination not typically seen in high school students. These young men and women were not deterred by these challenges and instead saw them as opportunities to further their own knowledge, learn valuable skills, and help others in times of need. The passion projects highlighted on this website are a direct result of this uncommon drive for success.

As the STEM Academy Program Coordinator, I have followed these students closely during their entire high school career. Although they may not realize it at the moment, each one of these individuals have become admirable role models for those that will follow in their footsteps. For that, the Brick Township Public School District, as well as myself, will be forever thankful.

As we take a moment to reflect on the class of 2021's accomplishments, I would also like to challenge these trailblazers to continue their strides for success and forge new pathways that demonstrate what it means to be a STEM learner. Thank you class of 2021, and congratulations on a job well done!

Sincerely,

Dan Nagle and the entire BTPS STEM Academy Faculty