STEM612: JerseySTEM Externship - Kean University (CS/IT)

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