Program

The Massenberg STEM Institute is a hands-on, interactive program for rising 10th graders from underserved communities in New Jersey and Massachusetts.

Intensive classroom and lab experiences led by UMass Amherst and Five College professors
  • Power up your math skills
  • Explore the natural world
  • Learn key software for STEM
Get ready for YOUR future
  • Plan your entry into college
  • Find your career path
  • Be a better leader
Real advice and small-group conversations with highly successful individuals in the field from diverse backgrounds
  • Professors from computer and information sciences, engineering, and the natural sciences
  • Career services experts
  • College admissions staff
  • Student leaders at UMass Amherst
  • Working professionals at Boston technology companies

Sample Weekly Schedule:

This is a sample schedule designed to show the types of activities typically offered. Details are subject to change. 

Week 1:

  • Student and family welcome, introductions, program overview
  • Pre-testing attitude assessment, individual assessments and plans
  • Workshops and lab tours introducing various STEM disciplines 
  • Introduction to projects; team meetings to work on projects
  • Sessions on writing reports and on presentation skills
  • Discussion session on hopes and fears
  • Guest speaker – career journey/inspiring story
  • Student panel with students studying engineering
  • Field trip to Boston

Week 2:

  • Team meetings to work on projects and prepare presentations
  • Math skill strengthening exercises
  • Workshops and labs introducing various STEM disciplines (2-3 in the course of the week)
  • Sessions on writing reports and on presentation skills
  • Guest speaker – career journey/inspiring story
  • Student panel on life at college
  • Post-testing of math, writing skills; individual assessments and plans for next school year
  • Final presentations (parents may attend if present)
  • Parent program: planning for college and next steps/goals

Curriculum Advisory Committee

Erika Dawson Head, Director
Information & Computer Sciences

Elizabeth Connor
Natural Sciences

Stephen Fernandez
Engineering

Melishia Santiago
Natural Sciences

Paula Sturdevant Rees
Engineering