This past fall, students from Trenton arrived at Mercer Lake in vans that had been arranged by Princeton University. Thanks to the STEM-to-Stern program and a partnership between Princeton, Trenton’s public schools and youth programs, and the Princeton National Rowing Association, rowing is more accessible to young Trentonians.

Full article in row2k
STEM-To-Stern Comes to Trenton NJ Middle Schools
https://www.row2k.com/features/5749/STEM-To-Stern-Comes-to-Trenton-NJ-Middle-Schools/

The STEM to Stern program was started in Milwaukee, WI at the Milwaukee Rowing Club as a way to eliminate the barriers of participation in rowing and to increase representation on the team.  The main barriers to rowing include transportation, swimming lessons and club fees.  By creating ways to address these barriers, students are able to participate, regardless of where they are from.

Rowing is the focal point of the STEM to Stern program.  Clubs are able to use rowing to build relationships among students who otherwise would not have the opportunity to interact or compete together.  One of the many benefits of STEM to Stern is the diverse and competitive environment that is developed through this program.  By adding more athletes from all around your city, your team will become more competitive and more diverse.

STEM education is another focal point of the program. Many of the students who participate are behind in school.  By having a STEM component as part of the program, they set students up to think critically, problem solve and be successful on and off the water.

The STEM to Stern team has worked with clubs around the country to help them develop their own program.  Their mission is to create twenty-five programs across the United States by 2021.

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