Alcami and Students 2 Science Inspire Future Scientists

Students 2 Science (S2S) is a New Jersey-based nonprofit committed to inspiring and educating elementary, middle, and high school students to pursue careers in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM). Through strategic partnerships between businesses, institutions of higher education, district leadership, and workforce-readiness agencies, S2S provides students with real life laboratory problem-solving experiences led by scientific professionals using modern technology and instrumentation. S2S’s V-Laboratory educational program enlists corporate partners such as Alcami to serve as in-class mentors and help introduce students to the broad spectrum of STEM careers available to them.

“S2S values the engagement of our great corporate partners like Alcami,” said Students 2 Science Vice President of External Engagement, Kit Nugent. “Our students need mentors and role models in STEM to inspire them.”

Alcami’s Edison, New Jersey site recently renewed its affiliation with S2S and held the first in a series of STEM education events with partner school Academy for Urban Leadership in Perth Amboy, New Jersey. Lead volunteer and Alcami Microbiology Manager, Jamie Noto, spoke with the middle and high school students about his academic and professional background, familiarized them with Alcami, and addressed their personal aspirations and individual long-term goals. Over the course of the afternoon, Noto introduced the engaged class to the vast world of scientific opportunities available to them, right in New Jersey.

“I truly admire Students 2 Science’s mission,” said Noto. “It was tremendously rewarding to have the opportunity to inspire some future scientists. There are so many STEM opportunities in New Jersey that most students are not aware of. When Alcami announced our sponsorship, I was honored to volunteer and share my background and knowledge, which will hopefully have a positive impact on the workforce of tomorrow!”

A total of eight S2S sessions are scheduled for 2019, and Alcami is looking into potential ways to expand the partnership.