The Stars Challenge is a science enrichment program for 6th through 9th graders that is hosted by Monmouth University. Our goal is to get more top students -- students who can become innovators -- involved in science and technology and ultimately to maintain America's historical lead in technology and innovation.

We start with excellent teachers. Then we focus on real-world problems where students can work in small groups to create innovative solutions. We want to stimulate and nurture the students' passion and curiosity about science. We want our students to understand how they can use science and technology to make a positive impact on society.

We offer four programs:

• The Stars Challenge at Monmouth University is our flagship program for top middle school students.  Courses are taught at Monmouth University in the evening during fall and winter semesters.
• The Stars Science Competition is held at Monmouth University each December and is an opportunity for teacher-led teams of middle school students to create solutions to challenges in their school or community.
• Summer Camp at Sandy Hook is a marine science program that is offered in cooperation with MAST.
• Creativity in Science and Research is a new on-line program that Mr. Roche is offering this summer to a limited number of students in July and August.

We began our seventh academic year of The Stars Challenge at Monmouth University this fall. So far, we've taught 53 courses with over 780 students. Check out our courses offerings at The Stars Challenge at Monmouth University.  Take a look at a video and pictures from all our previous courses in our Gallery.

We had our 2011 Stars Science Competition this fall among teams of students led by teachers. The competition is hosted by Monmouth University and the first prize is $1,000 to the winning teacher to spend on science in his or her classroom. We will offer the Stars Science Competition again in December 2012.  Click here for a nice Asbury Park Press article about the 2010 Stars Science Competition.

We are offering Summer Camp at Sandy Hook again this summer in cooperation with the Marine Academy of Science and Technology (MAST). This is a hands-on course with both lab and field work that explores the marine life and habitat of Sandy Hook's beaches and estuaries. For more information, see Summer Camp at Sandy Hook.

We are offering a new on-line course this summer called Creativity in Science and Research.   We are excited to offer this course to a limited number of students in July and August.  Join us if you are interested in exercising your creativity, experimenting with software, sharpening your analytical skills, and studying things that you're really curious about.

News and Announcements:

Now Accepting Applications for Fall 2009 (6-4-09)

Now accepting applications for our new on-line summer course (4-25-12)
We're now accepting applications for our new on-line summer course called "Creativity in Science and Research." Check out our the course at Creativity in Science and Research.

Now Accepting Applications for Summer Camp at Sandy Hook (1-15-2012)
We're now accepting applications for our Summer Camp at Sandy Hook, hosted by MAST, that begins June 25. Check out our courses offerings at Summer Camp at Sandy Hook.

Asbury Park Press Article on Science Competition (12-7-10) (pdf)
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Asbury Park Press article on The Stars Challenge (12-3-09) (pdf)
A nice article in the Asbury Park Press about us!
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Two River Journal article (10-09) (pdf)
Nice article in the Two River Journal about The Stars Challenge! Plus some fun pictures from our classes.
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Students Present to Monmouth County Environmental Council (4-25-08).JPG
Students from Mr. Coe's Fall 2007 "The Environment and You" course presented the results of their analysis of Whale Pond Brook to the Monmouth County Environmental Council in Freehold.
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Two River Times article on Dr Greg Olsen (1-20-07) (pdf)
Dr. Greg Olsen, entrepreneur and space traveler, spoke at out Celebration Event in January, 2007. Check out the Two River Times article about his talk.
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