Hunterdon County Vocational School District’s Four-Year STEM Academies Continue to Recruit Ambitious Students

Flemington, N.J. –Just shy of 100 participants logged on for Hunterdon County Vocational School District’s November Virtual Information Session highlighting the district’s academies. The interest in the STEM academies has grown each year, both as the four-year, full-time programs enhance curriculum and enrolled students secure acceptance after acceptance into competitive summer programs and colleges. Families interested in learning more can catch the last Virtual Information Session Thursday, Dec. 10, 6-7 p.m., ahead of the Dec. 18 application deadline.

All eighth-grade students in Hunterdon County are eligible to apply for any of the three HCVSD academies online at www.hcvsd.org, using the ‘Apply Today’ button at the top, right. Applications close Dec. 18 for all three of the district’s four-year academies: Biomedical Sciences Academy (BSA), Computer Science and Applied Engineering Academy (CSAEA), and the Environmental Sustainability and Engineering Academy (ESEA).

“Word is out that our academies present students with hands-on STEM experiences, not just in their academy classroom, but also in the community,” said Tanya Nalesnik, director of grant management, admissions & security and supervisor of HCVSD’s Bartles Campus. “That real-world application of their skills, especially to make an impact on their immediate and broader communities, captures the attention of colleges and future employers – in the best possible way. We hear this feedback, and work on our end to do even more to support students through the curriculum and the extracurricular opportunities we both uncover and help them pursue.”

This year, two of the academies, the CSAEA and the ESEA, are partnering on sustainability projects. This collaboration not only enables them to get that hands-on experience while making an impact, but also encourages them to work across disciplines toward a common goal. The students deepen their learning not only by focusing on STEM, but also a range of competencies they will need to find both professional and personal success in the future.

The BSA has grown this year to offer a second cohort, which meant adding another instructor. The academy also grew in terms of student opportunities with new electives in Neuroscience and Biomedical Engineering. These electives further help students get a head start on their career pathway as they acquire an even more specialized high school education and add to their impressive resumes.

“We know that STEM jobs are always in demand, but employers seek specific candidates to fill these jobs,” said Dr. Todd Bonsall, HCVSD superintendent. “That’s because these jobs often have a tremendous impact on others, our environment and even our future. Our Career and Technical Education model helps students explore and identify careers in STEM that most interest them and then acquire the knowledge and skills to move forward along the career pathway on which they’ve set their sights. It’s a comprehensive learning experience with thoughtful progression through the material each year to ensure that students leave as confident, well-rounded and skilled leaders of tomorrow.”

The three academies are among five distinct schools offered by Hunterdon County Vocational School District to serve high school and adult students. The largest is Hunterdon County Polytech Career and Technical School, the district’s shared-time high school that prepares students for a seamless transition to college and career paths. HCVSD also operates an Adult and Continuing Education school. Learn more at www.hcvsd.org. 

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All pupils will be given equal opportunity for enrollment in programs operated by the Hunterdon County Vocational School District regardless of race, creed, color, national origin, ancestry, age, marital status, affectional or sexual orientation, gender, religion, disability, or socioeconomic status (34 C.F.R. Part 100, Appendix B, Section IV-A). No qualified handicapped person shall, on the basis of handicap, be excluded from participation in, be denied the benefits of, or otherwise be subjected to discrimination under any program or activity which receives federal financial assistance, et seq (34 C.F.R. Part 104.4(a)(b).