At New Jersey Institute of Technology, collaboration is key. The university recognizes that preparing the next generation of STEM leaders requires more than classroom instruction; it demands real-world experience and strong industry partnerships. NJIT actively engages with businesses to create opportunities for its students and contribute to the growth of the STEM workforce. Two recent examples highlight the impact of these partnerships.
Stryker showcases innovative technologies
NJIT’s collaboration with Stryker, a leading medical technology company, exemplifies this commitment. The NJIT-Stryker Career Day offered aspiring STEM students from NJIT’s pre-college program an immersive experience, providing invaluable insights into the medical device industry.
Students toured Stryker’s facilities, interacted with engineers and scientists, and learned about different career pathways. This event is part of an ongoing dialogue between the two institutions, designed to expose students to innovative technology and to inspire them to pursue careers that make a difference. Especially noteworthy, a pivotal partner was Stryker’s African Ancestry Network, which works to make Stryker a career destination for Black employees and aligns squarely with NJIT’s core value of diversity.
The result is increased student engagement and enrollment in STEM-based fields with many expressing interests in careers at Stryker and similar companies. Since 2019, Black full-time undergraduate student enrollment is up 80 percent, while Hispanic enrollment has nearly doubled. This partnership benefits both NJIT, by enhancing student career readiness, and Stryker, by building a pipeline of future talent.
Closing the gender gap with Avanade
Similarly, NJIT’s partnership with Avanade, a digital and cloud services provider, demonstrates its dedication to closing the gender gap seen in STEM fields. Avanade’s scholarship program, awarded to women pursuing STEM degrees at NJIT, directly addresses this issue. These scholarships provide financial support and create mentorship opportunities, connecting students with Avanade professionals for guidance.Â
The impact at NJIT is clear: increased enrollment of women in NJIT’s STEM programs, empowering them to become future innovators. Female full-time undergraduate enrollment is up 45 percent in the past five years. Avanade benefits by contributing to a future workforce that is more diverse, while NJIT strengthens its commitment to equitable access to STEM education.
The university believes these types of collaborations are essential for driving innovation, fostering economic growth and building a brighter future for STEM. By combining academic excellence with practical experience and industry insights, NJIT is empowering the next generation of STEM professionals.
