STEM, or Science, Technology, Engineering, and Math, are some of today’s most crucial subject areas. Today’s students in STEM are tomorrow’s innovators, who will undoubtedly be responsible for breakthroughs in several fascinating fields. One such scholar is Foundation Academy’s Hobbes Chukumba.
Chukumba was amongst just 128 students to be selected as one of the New Jersey Governor’s STEM Scholars. Per Foundation Academies CEO Sheria McRae, “The Governor’s STEM Scholars website says New Jersey boasts the biggest concentration of scientists and engineers per square mile in the world – and we are so proud one of them is a junior at FA Collegiate.”
In addition to his STEM skills, Chukumba is also an avid musician. He plays bass, flute, piano, and ukulele and is learning trumpet and violin. Hobbes hopes to combine these two passions to develop a prosthetic to empower those with injuries to regain the ability to play the instrument they love. “I want to help make life easier for people,” he said. “I want to help people really enjoy their lives.”
The staff and faculty have continuously supported Hobbes at FA Collegiate. Throughout his education, teachers have encouraged him to pursue STEM opportunities. Vianney Anzures, for example, “is constantly on the lookout for programs that help me achieve my goals,” he said; Dr. Laura Bloom, a STEM professional, has shared her expertise “and is always willing to help.”
In recent months, Chukumba has visited technological sites across New Jersey, including Princeton Plasma Physics Lab, New Jersey Institute of Technology, and Rowan University. He is currently working on a research project focused on improving the use of helpful, innovative technology to connect residents to government resources and services, such as apps, drones, or bots. Chukumba will present findings next month at the prestigious Stevens Institute of Technology.
The STEM Scholars program is a partnership among the Research & Development Council of New Jersey, the Governor’s Office, the Office of Governor, the Department of Education, the Office of the Secretary of Higher Education, and the state’s leading research companies. The students selected for this program have been identified as some of the state’s top students, demonstrating a commitment to being the future of NJ’s STEM workforce. You can read more about the program and this year’s scholars by visiting their website: GovSTEMScholars.
Students like Hobbes are uplifted every day by Foundation Academies. As one of Trenton’s premier charter schools, FA students have the opportunities and resources to thrive. What initially started as a small middle school in a borrowed building has quickly transformed into a force for good in the community. Now, FA serves over 1,000 students ranging from kindergarten through 12th grade. Their mission is simple but profound: “To ensure that all of our students secure the academic knowledge and skills to prepare them for the nation’s finest colleges and to instill in them the core values of caring, respect, responsibility, and honesty.”
There is no telling what amazing things these scholars will achieve throughout their lifetime, but we can rest assured knowing that these students’ passions are being fostered by some of our state’s finest educators. If you’d like to read more regarding all Foundation Academies have to offer, you can check out their website here: F.A. – Home. Here’s to Hobbes and his great future ahead!
