Building Inclusive Excellence: Celebrating the STEM to Stern Partnership Between Princeton University Rowing, Women’s Water Polo & Trenton Youth
PRINCETON, N.J — On Thursday, November 21, the STEM to Stern program at Princeton University celebrated the end of the semester with a powerful and inspiring event that brought together student-athletes from two varsity teams, Princeton University’s rowing team and women’s water polo team in a shared commitment to community and growth. The celebration recognized the achievements of the Trenton students participating in the STEM to Stern program, as well as the Princeton athletes and the program itself. This gathering not only highlighted the program’s success and expansion but also emphasized the transformative strength of inclusive community partnerships.
The STEM to Stern initiative was founded in 2021 through the shared vision of Bruce Boyd, a dedicated Trenton youth advocate, mentor, and community leader, alongside the Princeton National Rowing Association (PNRA). Their goal was to harness the power of rowing to break down barriers facing the Trenton community while creating opportunities for local youth to engage with college student-athletes and vice versa, fostering mutual learning and growth. Over the past three years, the program has flourished, with students progressing from beginners to collegiate-level rowers. This year, STEM to Stern served 16 Trenton students, collaborating with eight local schools.
On Tuesdays and Thursdays, the program brings together student-athletes, coaches, and staff from Princeton with NPRA leaders and Trenton youth. These sessions introduce students to rowing and engage them in exciting STEM projects that bridge athletics and education. A new addition this year includes Saturday sessions where students learn the fundamentals of swimming and water polo from Princeton’s women’s water polo student-athletes, while also receiving tutoring services.
Bruce Boyd, the Trenton youth advocate who support the program, spoke about the impact STEM to Stern has had on the students in Trenton:
“Anytime you can expose youth to something different it allows them to grow outside of their comfort level. STEM to Stern has done that and so much more with the assistance of Princeton University students.”
Coach Lori Dauphiny, Women’s Rowing Head Coach, reflected on the importance of these partnerships:
“STEM to Stern is built on the foundation of collaboration. Our partnerships with the PNRA, Princeton University, the water polo team, and visionaries like Bruce Boyd are critical to expanding access and creating opportunities for young people who did not have access to rowing before. It also enriches the experience by bringing together communities and fostering connections.”
A Model for Inclusive Excellence
The integration of water polo into the STEM to Stern program went beyond simply adding another sport; it was a powerful expansion of the program’s commitment to inclusion. By introducing more diverse athletic opportunities, the program not only broadens the athletic experiences available to Trenton students but also deepens their sense of belonging and possibility. At the same time, it provides Princeton’s student-athletes, coaches, and staff with an invaluable opportunity to share their skills, leadership, and mentorship, strengthening their connection to the Trenton community and fostering a spirit of shared growth.
The impact of STEM on Stern is far-reaching. For Trenton youth, the program offers experiences that inspire future academic and athletic pursuits, opening doors to new opportunities. For Princeton student-athletes, it is a chance to give back, engage in meaningful mentorship, and develop leadership skills that extend beyond the field or water. These interactions create a dynamic environment where both groups are empowered to excel, learn from one another, and grow together. The Trenton students’ drive, resilience, and eagerness to learn make them an incredible source of inspiration, challenging the student-athletes to be their best mentors and role models.
As the program continues to grow, it builds a stronger, more inclusive community that connects Princeton and Trenton in a shared commitment to excellence. It exemplifies how intentional community partnerships can break down barriers, foster pride, and create lasting change. By embracing the diversity of both communities, STEM to Stern is not only transforming individual lives but also contributing to the broader goal of building stronger, more equitable communities.
The success of the program is a powerful reminder that inclusive excellence is built on shared commitment, where opportunities for growth, achievement, and belonging are open to all. As STEM to Stern moves forward, it will continue to serve as a model for how sports, education, and mentorship can come together to create lasting impact, inspire new possibilities, and break down barriers for everyone involved.
