The New Jersey STEM Pathways Network (NJSPN) launched NJ STEM Month 2026 at Genmab in Plainsboro, gathering leaders from across the state to focus on innovation, education, and workforce development in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics.
March has been recognized as NJ STEM Month for nine years through a gubernatorial proclamation and legislative resolution. The initiative is co-led by NJSPN and the Research & Development Council of New Jersey. It aims to bring attention to STEM opportunities throughout the state.
This year’s campaign seeks to engage 60,000 learners with hands-on events, classroom activities, industry partnerships, and community programs. Organizations hosting events are encouraged to submit their impact data to help reach this goal. Since its start, NJ STEM Month has reached more than 300,000 learners.
Genmab hosted the kickoff event. Manish Gupta, senior vice president and global head of translational & quantitative sciences at Genmab, welcomed attendees and highlighted the importance of scientific innovation and collaboration in healthcare advancements.
Nearly 100 participants attended from schools, higher education institutions, nonprofits, corporations, and government agencies. The program began with students from Jose Marti STEM Academy in Union reading the 2026 Gubernatorial Proclamation via video.
“We are proud to mark nine years of celebrating NJ STEM Month and the collective energy behind this movement,” said Kim Case, executive director of the Research & Development Council of New Jersey and manager of the New Jersey STEM Pathways Network. “What began as a vision to elevate STEM awareness has grown into a powerful statewide collaboration. Each year, we see stronger partnerships, deeper engagement, and a broader reach that connects learners to real pathways in innovation and industry.”
Jason Frazer—former Fox Weather meteorologist and founder of Drizzle Weather—delivered the keynote address on “weathering life’s storms.” He related his experiences forecasting severe weather with personal resilience and career perseverance.
Exhibitors included American Water, Drizzle Weather, Inspired Growing Inc., Lectec, Liberty Science Center, PC University, Ramapo College of New Jersey, and Students 2 Science.
The event also showcased NJ STEM Month’s mini-grant initiative. In 2026 over $20,000 in grants were awarded across 19 counties thanks to support from American Water New Jersey, Comcast,and the Overdeck Family Foundation. These grants provide up to $500 for organizations running programs during March.
The program concluded with awards recognizing leadership in STEM education:
STEM Advocate of the Year: HealthCare Institute of New Jersey (HINJ)
STEM Civic Leadership Award: Dr. Rick Anderson (Co-Director of Makerspace at Rutgers University)
STEM Collaboration of the Year: Paterson Museum; Paterson Great Falls National Park; P-Tech Planetarium/Paterson Public Schools; NASA Solar System Ambassador
STEM Corporate Champion: American Water
STEM Educator: Dr. Sheila Tabanli (Associate Teaching Professor at Rutgers University-School of Arts and Sciences Educational Opportunity Fund Program)
