Matawan Regional Juniors Graduate Prestigious STEM Program

ABERDEEN, NJ — Last Saturday, two juniors at Matawan Regional High School graduated from New Jersey's STEM Scholars program, a prestigious program that matches high-achieving New Jersey high school, college and graduate students with careers in the fields of science, technology, engineering and math.

The students are Julia Jankojc, of Cliffwood, and Nicole Vaccaro, of Matawan.

In the past year Jankojc and Vaccaro joined 69 fellow New Jersey high school and college students to complete the year-long program, which includes symposiums, lab tours, master classes and research.

The students come from all over the Garden State and are interested in pursuing STEM-related majors and careers.

These local Aberdeen young women were called some of "New Jersey’s most promising STEM students."

“Julia Jankojc and Nicole Vaccaro received a comprehensive introduction to New Jersey’s STEM economy, through symposiums, field trips, internship opportunities and a research project," said Alise Roderer, director of the Governor’s STEM Scholars.

“With more scientists and engineers per square mile than anywhere else around the globe, New Jersey has one of the country’s most highly educated workforces and is a national STEM research hub,” said Anthony Cicatiello, president of the Research & Development Council of New Jersey. “By 2027, STEM jobs will grow by nine percent in New Jersey. Through the Governor’s STEM Scholars, we are ensuring our state’s talented students stay in New Jersey to fill these roles, securing our academic and workforce pipeline for the future.”

As graduates of the Governor’s STEM Scholars, students will have access to the Governor’s STEM Scholars alumni network of nearly 550 students, which will enable them to stay connected to STEM jobs and opportunities within the state.

Applications for the 2021-2022 Governor’s STEM Scholars program are still open through June 11, 2021. For more information visit www.govstemscholars.com/apply/.

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