JerseySTEM Externship - Montclair State (CS/IT)

All JerseySTEM roles are pro-bono (unpaid) positions. JerseySTEM is a grassroots 501(c) nonprofit dedicated to bringing science, technology, engineering, and math education to 5th-8th grade girls in underserved New Jersey communities. We rely on a network of college and industry volunteers to deliver and support field-proven programs in partner middle schools.

About the role

JerseySTEM's Externship Program pairs Montclair State CS and IT students with an industry mentor for a real technology project, while also teaching hands-on STEM to middle school girls in underserved New Jersey communities. This is a two-part experience: project work and teaching. Earn 3 credits toward CSIT 491 by completing the technology project component over a 14-week, 135-140 hour semester.

What you get

• 3 credits toward CSIT 491
• Weekly 1:1 mentorship from an industry professional
• Mid- and End-of-Externship evaluations (portfolio-ready feedback)
• Real project experience with a live nonprofit - not a classroom simulation
• Hands-on experience with Agile/Scrum, Jira, and industry-standard tools
• Exposure to a professional tech stack (SQL, low-code platforms, workflow automation, applied AI)
• A story of social impact for every future interview
• Transportation provided for weekly teaching session

Responsibilities

• Teaching
  • Lead weekly STEM sessions for 5th-8th grade girls at a partner middle school, 3:30-5:30 PM
  • Bring computational thinking and hands-on activities into the classroom
  • Track attendance and document sessions
• Technology Project
  • Work on a real JerseySTEM technology project - data systems, applications, automation, or analytics (full scope, deliverables, and tech stack provided at onboarding)
  • Participate in Agile/Scrum sprints tracked in Jira, with sprint demos and reviews
  • Meet weekly 1:1 with an assigned industry mentor for guidance and evaluation

Requirements

• Currently enrolled at Montclair State University while majoring in a relevant field (e.g., computer science, data science, engineering, mathematics, education)
• Completed CSIT 355, with department approval to enroll in CSIT 491 (to earn credits)

Skills

• Experience teaching or mentoring students in a STEM-related subject area is a plus
• Strong communication, organization, and problem-solving skills
• Familiarity with relevant technologies, tools, and software applications

Additional Information

• The Tech project is virtual with work sessions on Google Meet
• The workshops are on-site at select venues near your campus
• Travel to and from job location will be provided, if requested

Workshop Details

• Length: 14 weeks matching the Montclair State University Semester Schedule
• Class Duration: 140 hours/semester or 10 hours/week (7 hours involved in remote/virtual IT project, 3 hours of on-site teaching in a middle school)
• Topics: Coding, Robotics, AI/Cyber
• Logistics: Free transportation to workshop venue is available via Uber or mileage reimbursements
• Location: Select venues close to your college campus in New Jersey. Typically 15-minute Uber ride