Girls Powered by STEM

NCBW-SNJ hosts an annual STEM conference, on the campus of Rowan University in Gloucester County. The objective is to inform middle school girls of career options that will afford them a fiscally sound adulthood. The day began with a powerful keynote speaker, who provides a motivational challenge to the attentive young ladies. The middle schoolers rotate to various interactive and creative workshop sessions led by successful black women who have excelled in their STEM careers of pharmaceuticals, computer science and mathematics education. The educational packed day concluded with a lunch and learn session for all attendees.

The middle-schoolers and their parents are provided an opportunity to network and interact with both the workshop presenters and the National Coalition-SNJ members. Surveys indicated 100% would attend next year. Some of the comments included:

Rising to the Top Scholarship Program

The goal is to provide financial support to Black girls for academic achievement and community service. Our chapter held our annual “Rising to the Top” Awards Ceremony. NCBW-SNJ distributes scholarship applications to high school counselors in eight counties. Applications are received from traditional students. After vetting the applications, which includes a face to face interview, exceptional students are selected to receive scholarships and laptops for academic achievement and community service. Former scholarship recipients provide motivating and encouraging words for these exceptional young ladies. The desired outcome of our education program is to raise the level of quality education in our schools; monitor educational systems at all levels, provide information on policies impacting the educational system and conduct mentoring programs for youth that will reduce the dropout rate, and increase college enrollment and retention among black girls.

Staying Connected

The goal is to continue to mentor our young ladies through college. NCBW-SNJ is fortunate to have had several mentees graduate and continue to college. Throughout their tenure, they have learned leadership skills, team building and life skills. Once they leave our immediate area, they are encouraged to “remotely” remain a member. Throughout the chapter year, members reach out to the mentees and they are encouraged to attend programs when they are home. In addition to their attendance, they are called upon to “pay it forward.” Megan Parker, mentee and past Rising to the Top Recipient, shared her journey.