NJSGC Education Program Honored with Community Service Award

On Saturday, April 20 the Education Program was honored by the Central Jersey Club of the National Association of Negro Business and Professional Women’s Clubs, Inc. (CJC-NANBPWC) for these efforts with a Community Service Award at their 57th Annual Founders Day Celebration.

This virtual event celebrated the history and service of CJC-NANBPWC membership, awarded scholarships to outstanding high school seniors, and recognized community heroes who work to make a difference in the lives of local residents. The Education Department was acknowledged for providing hands-on STEAM- (science, technology, engineering, art and math) based marine and coastal science learning opportunities to minority and under-resourced students in grades 3-8 and for fostering understanding of and appreciation for the coastal environment in which the students live. These in-person programs consisted of after-school enrichment sessions and field trips to local beaches, as well as underwater robotics workshops at the Neptune Aquatic Center. This year’s efforts transitioned to a virtual format, with interaction taking place during class time, and provided “gamified” programs that supplemented schools’ science curricula. A career awareness component was added as well, thus giving students the opportunity to “meet” black and Hispanic scientists and introducing them as role models.

According to Diana Burich, Director of Education at NJSGC, “Our collaboration[with CJC-NANBPWC] is one that is not only part of New Jersey Sea Grant’s mission, but one that is close to our hearts as well. Our goal is to educate and inspire children with our ocean sciences programs, to ignite their sense of curiosity as they learn about the world around them, and to empower them to grow into the leaders that will be making decisions for us and for future generations. Together, we are working towards a STEM workforce that is more representative of our population, one that includes and embraces people of all colors, and one that is equipped to manage the environmental benefits and burdens that they are sure to face in the future.”

For more information on this and other partnership opportunities, contact Diana Burich, Director of Education.