Externship - Montclair State (CS​/IT

Jerseystem Externship Program

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.

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.

• 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.

Key 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

To succeed in this role, you should possess the following qualifications and skills:

• Currently enrolled at Montclair State University while majoring in a relevant field (e.g., computer science, data science, engineering, mathematics, education).
• 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 are 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 15mn Uber ride.

Completed CSIT 355, with department approval to enroll in CSIT 491 (to earn credits)