See Our Impact

Our Approach

The New Jersey STEM Pathways Network (NJSPN) was created to connect education, industry, government, and community partners around a shared goal: building strong, inclusive STEM pathways from early learning through career.

New Jersey’s innovation economy depends on more than isolated programs or one-off initiatives. It requires a coordinated system, one that aligns learning with workforce needs, expands access to opportunity, and helps students see clear, achievable futures in STEM fields.

NJSPN advances this work through four integrated pillars:

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Ecosystem Collaboration

We support and connect regional STEM ecosystems across New Jersey, bringing together schools, higher education, industry, nonprofits, and community partners. These ecosystems translate statewide goals into local action, sharing best practices, coordinating resources, and scaling what works for students and educators.

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Innovation Fund

Through the NJ STEM Strategic Advisory Board, we invest in high-quality, innovative STEM programs that expand access, strengthen learning outcomes, and reach learners across the state. The Innovation Fund supports data-driven solutions with the potential to grow, replicate, and inform broader systems change.

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Workforce Alignment

We bridge education and industry by elevating workforce data, identifying talent pipeline gaps, and promoting learning experiences that connect directly to high-demand STEM careers. Our work helps ensure that STEM education in New Jersey is not only inspiring, but relevant, responsive, and future-ready. This work is amplified through the regional STEM ecosystems, as well as quarterly statewide meetings.

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NJ STEM Month: Public Engagement 

Each March, NJ STEM Month engages students, families, educators, employers, and policymakers in a statewide celebration of STEM. By spotlighting programs, people, and partnerships, STEM Month builds awareness, strengthens collaboration, and reinforces New Jersey’s commitment to developing homegrown STEM talent.

Together, these pillars create a cohesive, statewide approach, one that aligns vision with action and ensures that every learner in New Jersey has access to meaningful STEM pathways that lead to opportunity, mobility, and innovation.

New Jersey STEM Strategic Advisory Board

At the helm of the New Jersey STEM Pathways Network, the New Jersey STEM Strategic Advisory Board provides expertise for a statewide STEM vision in education and workforce and funds innovative STEM programs with data-driven results.

New Jersey Stem Strategic Advisory Board Timeline

2018
Board Developed
R&D Council Executive Director Kim Case developed a Lead STEM capstone project to create a STEM funders' Board. The R&D Council of NJ/ NJSPN led meetings with business and philanthropic leaders who came together to discuss issues that STEM funders could come together to address.
Governor Murphy Annoucement
Members BMS, Novartis, Orsted, Overdeck Family Foundation, and PSEG Foundation committed to NJSSAB membership. In November 2019, Governor Murphy announced the New Jersey STEM Strategic Advisory Board at the Research & Development Council of New Jersey's Edison Patent Awards event.
2018
2019
NJSSAB Convenes
Novartis, Overdeck Family Foundation, and PSEG Foundation first convened to be a part of the NJSSAB. NJSSAB held its inaugural meeting in December.
First STEM Innovation Fund Launches
In Winter 2023, NJSSAB launched its first Innovation Grant RFP and awarded four grants totaling $100k. The Board also met in February, April, and November. In February, PSEG Foundation's Maria Spina was appointed NJSSAB's first Board Chair (2023-2025). Comcast joined the Board in the spring. In November, the Board approved its bylaws.
2022
2023
Second STEM Innovation Fund Launches
In February, NJSSAB met to learn about the New Jersey Statewide Data System and launched its second Innovation Grant cycle. In 2024, NJSSAB awarded four grants totalling $80,000. The Board met in May, August and October, and discussed New Jersey's science fair opportunities, NJSSAB grant recipients and Board membership.
Third STEM Innovation Fund Launches
In February, NJSSAB met and launched its third Innovation Grant cycle, while also hearing from a guest speaker about federal policy changes. Sanofi joined the Board. NJSSAB met in April and heard from a guest speaker on the FY26 state budget. Five 2024 grantees receiving $80,000 in total were announced. NJSSAB met in July to review Board activities and reviewed all three grant cycles to date.
2024
2025
Looking Ahead
NJSSAB continues to grow its impact, expanding partnerships and funding opportunities to support STEM education across New Jersey. The Board remains committed to fostering innovation and collaboration among educators, businesses, and philanthropic organizations.