About the role
About JerseySTEM
All JerseySTEM roles are pro-bono (unpaid) positions.
JerseySTEM is a grassroots 501(c)(3) nonprofit dedicated to bringing science, technology, engineering, and math education to 5th–8th grade girls in underserved New Jersey communities. We rely on a network of college and industry volunteers to deliver and support field-proven programs in partner middle schools.
Overview
JerseySTEM's Externship Program pairs Kean University scholars pursuing studies in CS, IT or Education with a JerseySTEM industry mentor for a real technology project, while also teaching hands-on STEM to middle school girls in underserved New Jersey communities. This is a two-part experience project work and teaching.
What you Get
- 1:1 mentorship from an industry professional
- Mid- and End-of-Externship evaluations (portfolio-ready feedback)
- Real project experience with a live nonprofit - not a classroom simulation
- Hands-on experience with Agile/Scrum, Jira, and industry-standard tools
- Exposure to a professional tech stack (SQL, low-code platforms, workflow automation, applied AI)
- A story of social impact for every future interview
- Transportation provided for weekly teaching session.
Responsibilities
Key Responsibilities
As a Technology or Education Intern you will play a pivotal role in participating in JerseySTEM projects and in delivering engaging and effective STEM-focused lessons and activities to middle school students of various skill levels. Your main responsibilities include:
Teaching
- Lead weekly STEM sessions for 5th–8th grade girls at a partner middle school, 3:30–5:30 PM
- Bring computational thinking and hands-on activities into the classroom
- Track attendance and document sessions
Technology Project or Curriculum Design Assignment
- Work on a real JerseySTEM technology project - data systems, applications, automation, or analytics (full scope, deliverables, and tech stack provided at onboarding)
- Participate in Agile/Scrum sprints tracked in Jira, with sprint demos and reviews
- Meet 1:1 with an assigned industry mentor for guidance and evaluation
Qualifications
To succeed in this role, you should possess the following qualifications and skills:
- Currently enrolled at Kean University with interest and skills in a relevant field (e.g., computer science, data science, engineering, mathematics, education).
- Experience teaching or mentoring students in a STEM-related subject area is a plus
- Strong communication, organization, and problem-solving skills.
- Familiarity with relevant technologies, tools, and software applications.
Additional Information
The Tech project are virtual with work sessions on Google Meet.
The workshops with middle school students are
on-site
at select venues near your campus.
Travel to and from job location will be provided, if requested.
Workshop Details
Length
: One semester
Class Duration
- : 40 -120 hours/semester or more- involved in
- remote/virtual IT project,- 30 hours of
- on-site teaching in a middle school
Topics
: Coding, Robotics, AI/Cyber, Teaching
Logistics
: Free transportation to workshop venue is available via Uber
or mileage reimbursements
Location
: Select venues close to your college campus in New Jersey. Typically 15mn Uber ride.
Requirements
Kean departmental approval