Ocean City Student Completes Governor's STEM Scholars Program

OCEAN CITY, NJ — An Ocean City resident and high schooler recently graduated from the prestigious Governor's STEM Scholars.

Madeline Heng, a senior at Ocean City High School, was one of 126 New Jersey high school and college students to complete the year-long program, which provides a 360 degree view of New Jersey's STEM economy through conferences, lab tours, master classes, and research.

The program is a public-private partnership among the Research & Development Council of New Jersey, the Governor's Office, New Jersey Department of Education, Secretary of Higher Education, and public and private research companies.

It provides high-achieving high school, college, and graduate students with a comprehensive introduction to the state's STEM economy. The Scholars are a diverse and representative group of student leaders from all over the Garden State who excel in STEM and are interested in pursuing STEM-related majors and careers.

"Over the past year, 126 of New Jersey's most promising high school and college students have received an immersive look into the state's STEM economy, better preparing them for their careers here in the Garden State," said Alise Roderer, director of the Governor's STEM Scholars. "As a Governor's STEM Scholar, Madeline Heng gained a unique introduction to New Jersey's STEM economy and opportunities through conferences, field trips, internship opportunities, and a collaborative research project."

Over the course of the year, Heng participated in four conferences highlighting New Jersey STEM opportunities in government, academia, industry, and the upcoming commencement. Each Scholar was led by a college-level team leader, mentored through professional STEM advisors, and produced a viable research project.

As a graduate of the program, Heng now has access to the Governor's STEM Scholars alumni network of over 700 students, which will enable her to stay connected to STEM jobs and opportunities within the state.

Applications for the 2023-2024 Governor's STEM Scholars program are still open through June 9, 2023. For more information visit www.govstemscholars.com/apply.