Jose Marti STEM Academy is more than a school, but a STEM immersive experience where its community is nurtured and betterment is prioritized. For me JMSA served as a vital stepping stone in my career and development as a person. Due to the incredible research program and support from the faculty, administration, and UCPS I was able to conduct independent research under the Liberty Science Center, as well as participate in neuroscience projects at Rutgers Cancer Center alongside master students and postdocs. This research experience earned me numerous regional, state, national, and international titles from the RWJBarnabas STEM Showcase to the world-renowned Regeneron Science Talent Search Scholars, in which I was the only NJ scholar from a low income community. JMSA aims to serve the communities and eradicate disparities by providing STEM opportunities never before seen in a similar model. The support I received from the academy has landed me as a student at Barnard College of Columbia University under the Science Pathways Scholars Program, one of the most selective STEM research programs under the college. I believe the skills, but more importantly values I have learned at Jose Marti STEM Academy will benefit me throughout my career and entire life.
Naia Marcelino
JMSA Class of 2023
Why apply to JMSA? JMSA may seem very strict at first glance, however it is an amazing opportunity. Teachers, staff, administration, and all you can name, are the kindest souls you will meet. Everyone is ready to help you in any way there is. It may seem like JMSA is fully STEM oriented due to the name. However, there are many other things you can do, like performing arts, theater, arts, and much more. Every year new subjects are added for students who wish to take them, the school will assist in bringing a class that many want, whether it’s AP, dual enrollment or honors. JMSA also has many opportunities in the STEM field of course, like summer or semester programs at other universities and many research opportunities in school or at a college, sometimes even IVY, with transportation provided. JMSA also has many free school activities, through clubs and honors societies, which keep growing every year. All in all, JMSA is a wonderful place to spend your four years at.
Vedi Patel
JMSA Class of 2023
JMSA’s mission statement aligns itself with the STEM portion very well. The programs offered by the administration allowed me to explore and gain exposure to the different fields presented in the scientific world, allowing me to grow as a scientist. I was able to prosper due to the many facilities and opportunities provided by the environment and the people within JMSA. Similarly, the connections held within the JMSA faculty are held strongly, as it is for these very connections, that I was able to work alongside Dr. Gerard Parkin at Columbia University during my junior year of high school. This exposure to scientific research allowed me to have an advantage among my peers in my institutions when applying for undergraduate research positions as I managed to get accepted on my first application and by my first choice of laboratory. My high school experience with the scientific method and my nurtured techniques allowed me to work directly with the Principal Investigator and undergo less than a month of training before starting my current independent research project.
Overall, JMSA allows students to be prepared for scientific settings. If you are planning to go into a career in STEM, the best recommendation would be JMSA. It is a hotspot for the scientists of tomorrow and for the brightest minds of the present to be nurtured for prosperity.
Daymieri Ariciel Narvaez
JMSA Class of 2022
You should choose JMSA for the community. JMSA is a school committed to offering many academic opportunities to explore your interests and define what sets you apart from others. Look at the list of programs and clubs available! The community at JMSA encourages your exploration in the STEM field and is always open to new student’s interests! It is a team of staff, teachers and students working to ensure everyone succeeds.
Micki Zheng
JMSA Class of 2022