Brookdale Community College Launches STEM Cohort Kickoff with Enthusiasm & Opportunity

Brookdale Community College recently celebrated the kickoff event for the Delta Cohort of its S-STEM Scholars program, which aims to develop future leaders in STEM fields including Data Science, Engineering, and Computer Science. Funded by a National Science Foundation (NSF) S-STEM grant, the program supports STEM students through scholarships, mentoring, leadership development, and academic assistance, ensuring their readiness to transfer to four-year institutions after completing their associate degrees at Brookdale.

Sean Zhou, a Computer Science major, and a member of the Gamma (2023) cohort shared how the program transformed his college experience. “I was initially drawn in by the financial aid,” he explained, “but everything else the program offers, like the mentoring, trips to different colleges, and academic support, is even more valuable. It’s helped me connect with other students and get guidance from professionals in the field.”

The S-STEM program offers significant financial support, including a $5,000 yearly stipend for transportation, books, and living expenses, while tuition is covered through need-based grants. This financial cushion allows students like Raffaele Moreno, an Engineering major, to focus more on their studies and less on work. “I used to work full-time, but now, with the scholarship, I’ve been able to reduce my hours and spend more time on school and my personal life,” he said. “It’s a relief.”

In addition to financial assistance, the program fosters a close-knit cohort experience where students build lasting connections with their peers. Raffaele emphasized the community aspect of the program: “I’m also in the EOF program, and both aim to create a network of support. Meeting people who are passionate about the same field is inspiring.”

Students benefit from academic support services, especially in math, as they advance from Precalculus to Calculus II. Cohorts also participate in professional development activities, college visits, and engineering challenges. During the kickoff event, students engaged in a team-building activity where they constructed and tested small-scale launchers, applying their classroom knowledge to hands-on projects. Jose Peralta, an Engineering major, appreciated the practical experience: “These projects help us apply what we have learned in physics and engineering classes. It’s rewarding to see our designs come to life.”

Brookdale’s STEM program has already seen its cohorts from 2021 to 2023 thrive. By recruiting 8 or 9 students each year (plus 12 in the 2024 cohort), the initiative is growing a robust community of future STEM professionals who are supported through graduation and beyond. As part of the mentorship component, students have access to faculty who help guide them in course selection, internships, and job opportunities.

One of the faculty advisors, Professor Susan Monroe, emphasized the importance of mentoring. “We make sure that students have all the support they need, whether it’s tutoring in math, advice on transfer opportunities, or connections to internships. This program is about developing their potential as future STEM leaders.”

The program also offers flexibility to part-time students, allowing them to receive support even if they are taking just two courses in their final semester. This aspect of the program has made it more accessible to non-traditional students like Shayna Gomes, a Mechanical Engineering major who returned to college after several years in the workforce. “I’m excited about the community and the support. I’ve been a manager before, but the leadership training here will help me with resume building and finding internships.”

As Brookdale continues to support STEM scholars with a clear path to success, its S-STEM program exemplifies the college’s commitment to providing both academic and financial resources to its students. The impact of this initiative is already evident in the growing number of scholars who have successfully transferred to four-year institutions, ready to contribute to the evolving world of science and technology.

For students like Sean and Raffaele, the opportunity to pursue their passions with minimal financial stress has been life changing. As Raffaele concluded, “This program isn’t just about the scholarship, it’s about being part of something bigger. It’s about building the future.”