(Courtesy of CIJE) The Center for Initiatives in Jewish Education (CIJE) is a 501(c)3, non-profit organization that provides STEM resources, curricula and mentors to schools, exposing students to multiple STEM problem-solving perspectives and hands-on technical skills that scientists and engineers would use for solving real-world problems. The structure of the CIJE-Tech program provides additional opportunities, such as the annual CIJE Innovation Day, for introducing students into the culture of science, technology, engineering and mathematics. The CIJE-Tech High School Program is designed to proceed over a two-year time period, with each year providing a unique set of lessons and experiences for the students. Each year of the program culminates with capstone projects designed and built by students.

This year, CIJE Innovation Day will be held on May 6, in the New York City Hilton, where more than 1300 students will share their original CIJE-Tech STEM capstone projects. Dr. Joseph Jacobson, associate professor and head of the MIT Media Lab’s Molecular Machine research group will attend CIJE Innovation Day and deliver an inspiring keynote address. There will also be a Maker Exposition throughout the day, with many activities for middle school students and their families, as well as virtual reality activities for kids to try. Awards will be presented to students in various categories for their achievement in their CIJE capstone projects. In addition, Rick Hirschhaut, of the American Friends of Rambam Medical Center, will present the 2018 Rambam Innovation Award to the students who design projects in preparation for and response to natural disasters and mass-casualty situations. There is camaraderie amongst the students that develops throughout the day of judging and sharing project experiences with each other.

CIJE looks forward to greeting you on May 6, 2 p.m.-5 p.m. at the NYC Hilton, 1335 Avenue of the Americas, New York, New York 10019, USA. The event is free and open for all to attend.