For Prospective Students

Two iSTEM students collaborate on their laptop

Who is an iSTEM Student?

The creative spirits. The underdogs. The fighters and the true believers. The defiant outsiders. Those who reject the status quo and see the world “differently.” These are the Da Vincis, Einsteins and Teslas; the Bezoses, Gateses and Jobses of the world.

If this is who you are — the intuitive problem-solver who is inspired, challenged and even consumed by finding engineering solutions — then you may be an iSTEM student. You may be the student who builds with ambition and ignores the fear; who adapts and persists, embracing your passion, honing your natural talent and developing the necessary skills to realize your genius.

We seek a special sort of individual with an audacious vision, unbound by convention. Remarkable grades and tests scores are commendable, but what truly captivates us is your distinctive dream, however unconventional it may seem. We’re going to help you make it happen.

Let’s change the world together.

It’s Your Intuition That Sets You Apart:

We know that talent and success are not always reflected in grades or test scores. And we’re OK with that.

iSTEM program staff work with advisors and the Office of Undergraduate Academics to ensure students get all the academic help they need to graduate, including tutors and peer-mentors to help with any courses they are enrolled in. We provide resources to any iSTEM student who requests help, and we also work proactively to monitor progress in courses and offer support as soon as we sense the student may need it.

If this sounds like a good fit, ask yourself:

  • Are you a high school senior?

  • Do you have an interest in pursuing computer science, cybersecurity, electrical engineering, computer engineering or software engineering as a college program of study?

  • Are you solution-oriented, curious and hand-working?

  • Have you demonstrated exceptional problem-solving skills?

  • Are you a self-starter? Have you started a business or built a brand?

  • Do you have a natural talent for rapid prototyping, system design and attention to detail?

Student Testimonials

Diana Rosado
Anthony Mauceri
Anthony Mauceri '23 and Katie Duty '03
Anthony Mauceri

When I plugged in my test scores into an online university calculator, I had a 3% chance of getting into Stevens outside of the iSTEM program. iSTEM has not only provided me with the tools and resources to pursue my passions, but it brought me into a community of passionate individuals who are all eager to learn and are all eager to help each other out.

Anthony Mauceri

Currently working on building partnerships for E-Stop, a smart bus stop sign that allows passengers to quickly access real-time bus ETAs and information without needing a phone.

Diana Rosado poses for a picture to represent her work with Launchpad at Stevens
Diana Rosado

iSTEM helped me mold my passion and it’s given me so many skills — technical and business — that I feel well-equipped to run Imagication and enter the workforce. It’s an awesome community that makes you want to make a difference in the world.

Diana Rosado

Developed Imagication, a platform for virtual campus tours in the metaverse, so students can walk around a college campus online and interact with other students.

Anthony Mauceri '23 and Katie Duty '03
Anthony Mauceri

When I plugged in my test scores into an online university calculator, I had a 3% chance of getting into Stevens outside of the iSTEM program. iSTEM has not only provided me with the tools and resources to pursue my passions, but it brought me into a community of passionate individuals who are all eager to learn and are all eager to help each other out.

Anthony Mauceri

Currently working on building partnerships for E-Stop, a smart bus stop sign that allows passengers to quickly access real-time bus ETAs and information without needing a phone.

Diana Rosado poses for a picture to represent her work with Launchpad at Stevens
Diana Rosado

iSTEM helped me mold my passion and it’s given me so many skills — technical and business — that I feel well-equipped to run Imagication and enter the workforce. It’s an awesome community that makes you want to make a difference in the world.

Diana Rosado

Developed Imagication, a platform for virtual campus tours in the metaverse, so students can walk around a college campus online and interact with other students.

The iSTEM Experience

Once admitted, you'll move through four stages, each typically lasting six to 12 months:

1. Program Kickoff and Idea Generation

Beginning your first year, we work with you on hands-on projects to better understand your innate passions. We connect that passion to societal needs, identify gaps requiring solutions and develop your "master" idea — an opportunity for invention with seeds of societal impact and growth.

2. Realizing an Invention

Next, you move into the Launchpad@Stevens portion of the program where you learn specific technical skills to realize your invention. Throughout your sophomore and junior years, you'll enroll in up to 6 credit hours learning technological entrepreneurship.

3. Develop Customers and Products

Continuing with Launchpad@Stevens, you'll build professional-grade products and relate your innovation to societal needs while learning valuable business skills. You'll build customer relationships and position your venture for growth.

4. Incorporation, Scale and Growth

In the final stage, you'll learn the legal mechanics of starting new ventures and raising capital, while building toward a career as a founder, researcher or employee at a leading company.

Resources You'll Access

  • The Emilio A. Fernandez iSTEM Startup Garage: A makerspace with state-of-the-art technology and equipment

  • Expert Mentorship: Guidance from specialists in technology, legal matters, sales, marketing and various business verticals

  • Powerful Partners: Connections with organizations like TIAA, CarePoint Health, Delphi Digital, Mission-50 and the National Security Innovation Network

  • Supportive Community: A cohort of like-minded students and alumni network

Apply to iSTEM