(JERSEY CITY, NJ) -- Three Jersey City organizations have been recognized for their collaborative work on STEM education for Jersey City school children. The Jersey City Free Public Library (JCFPL), the Liberty Science Center (LSC), and Jersey City Public Schools (JCPS) Department of Special Education (SPED) won the New Jersey Stem Month 2021 Collaboration of the Year award for their virtual field trip to the Liberty Science Center’s Heart and Soul Program. The award, given by New Jersey STEM Pathways Network, recognizes organizations that move beyond silos to provide outstanding STEM programming and clear career pathways for students.
The three Jersey City organizations took 1,700+ students and teachers on a virtual field trip to the Liberty Science Center’s Heart and Soul program on February 5, 2021. The program is led by a LSC STEM Educator, who teaches the science behind nutrition and fitness, demonstrating how nutrition becomes the energy that keeps your heart strong and healthy. The team worked together to create content that leveraged Black History Month, such as celebrating people like Dr. Daniel Hale Williams and Vivien Thomas for their early work in the medical field.
“Each of our organizations cares deeply about STEM education, and this program was only possible because we worked together,” said Kate Davis, Youth Services Librarian, JCFPL. “Winning this award is an honor because it speaks to what can happen when community collaboration happens.”
The event was part of the JCFPL’s Fun Fridays! Series, an ongoing collaboration with the Jersey City Public School’s Department of Special Education (SPED) that provides entertaining, educational programming to local elementary, middle, and early education students. JCFPL’s Fun Fridays calendar of programs can be found here and April’s Fun Fridays begin 4/16, and can be registered online. The award will be given virtually at the New Jersey STEM Pathways quarterly meeting on May 28, 2021.
For over 120 years, the Jersey City Free Public Library has been a cornerstone of Jersey City's vibrant community. It is New Jersey's largest municipal library, serving nearly 200,000 patrons. Through its Main Library, nine branches, and Bookmobile, it provides a wide array of programming and resources, and access to a broad range of print, digital, and audiovisual collections. Hudson County residents are eligible for a free library card, while others can take advantage of many of the Library’s programs.
