Provide the future workforce needed in our Department of Defense laboratories and contribute to a technologically proficient society.
The Picatinny Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (STEM) Education Office, operated by the Armaments Center with support from the many scientists and engineers found in tenant organizations, has a role in advancing our nation’s technological proficiency as a cornerstone of our economic and military strength. We are proud to be a product of cooperation between private industry, the government and the academic community. We assist schools and support students and leadership by developing creative educational activities appropriate for the 21st century. This allows us to insure preparedness through education. We welcome the opportunity to be a key factor in maintaining America’s status as the world leader in innovation, freedom, and opportunity for its citizens. We always endeavor to:
- Motivate Students.
- Inform Parents.
- Assist teachers and school administrators.
- Promote careers in Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (STEM).
- Direct resources from the Defense and Educational Communities, government and private, into creative and effective educational programs.
- Develop and distribute innovative state of the art educational resources.
We will begin accepting requests for the 2025-2026 school year on Sept. 1, 2025.
Click Here to Access the STEM Outreach Assistance Form
Pumpkin Slinging Competition
FIRST Robotics
Introduce a Teen to Engineering
Learn more about the topics below by clicking on the black rectangles.
FIRST (For Inspiration and Recognition of Science and Technology) ROBOTICS
FIRST® (For Inspiration and Recognition of Science and Technology) is a global robotics community that prepares young people for the future through inclusive, team-based STEM challenges. The Picatinny STEM Office plays a critical role in supporting these efforts across all levels, providing mentorship from Army engineers and scientists, contributing volunteer judges, and offering funding or logistical support to reduce barriers to participation across the regional K–12 ecosystem.
The STEM Office proudly supports the following FIRST sub-programs:
- FIRST LEGO League (FLL) – For students in grades 2–8, FLL combines hands-on STEM with robotics, real-world research themes, and teamwork. Picatinny supports this program by supplying judges and coaching support, and by partnering with local schools to host regional events.
- FIRST Tech Challenge (FTC) – Designed for middle and high school students, FTC teams build and program robots to compete in alliance-based competitions. Picatinny STEM professionals serve as technical mentors and evaluators, helping students refine both engineering and soft skills.
- FIRST Robotics Competition (FRC) – At the high school level, FRC is the most advanced of the FIRST programs, featuring industrial-grade robotics challenges. The Picatinny STEM Office supports FRC teams with access to advanced equipment, volunteer engineers, and critical funding to help students compete on a national level.
eCYBERMISSION
eCYBERMISSION is a free, web-based, Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (STEM) competition for students in grades six through nine attending any U.S. or Department of Defense Education Activity school. eCYBERMISSION challenges students to think about real-world applications of STEM by working in teams to identify a problem in their community and use the scientific method, scientific inquiry or engineering design process to find a solution. Students compete for state, regional and national awards, with potential winnings of up to $8,000 in U.S. Savings Bonds.
Visit www.ecybermission.com to learn more!
AEOP JUNIOR SOLAR SPRINT
AEOP Junior Solar Sprint (JSS) is a hands-on STEM competition for 5th–8th grade students that challenges them to design, build, and race solar-powered model cars. The program teaches students about sustainable energy, engineering design, and collaborative problem-solving.
The Picatinny STEM Office proudly supports JSS by providing essential resources such as solar kits, engineering mentors, and volunteer judges. These efforts ensure sustained engagement and access for underrepresented schools across the region, while reinforcing Army modernization values of innovation and sustainability.
ANNUAL PUMPKIN SLING
In 2016 Picatinny Arsenal’s STEM office invited a group to organize the first pumpkin sling event in front of Lake Picatinny. The experience for the high school and middles school teams to design and build trebuchets to launch pumpkins into the lake has helped build teamwork and engineering skills at numerous high schools in New Jersey. The pumpkin sling is now an annual event at Picatinny.
For more information, visit this link Pumpkin Sling