Twenty years ago, Osama Eljabiri, Ph.D. created a college-level capstone program at NJIT that focused on project-based learning and real-world experiences.
With a network of over 1500 industry, government, and community sponsors and partners, the program inspired us to create a K-12 version called RWC (Real World Connections) 17 years ago. We aimed to provide an exciting and engaging STEM learning experience that motivates students in a unique way.
Most people thought it would be limited by traditional course constraints, budget, capacity, politics, students’ capabilities and resources. While they did not see anything but constraints and challenges, we saw nothing but endless possibilities for middle and high school students, university and community.
Facts About RWC
Our Story
As a network of networks, the multidisciplinary RWC program is changing how classrooms operate and redefining how students learn, running a FREE real-world project-based learning environment year round, transforming the way business work with education, impacting K-12 education through students ownership, and creating a pipeline from middle school to industry while partnering with the world to empower our students.
RWC In Action
In summer 2007, RWC students presented their real-world projects at News12 New Jersey TV and were interviewed by Brian Jenks for more than 20 minutes; in 2012 RWC students presented their innovations at the Liberty Science Center.
Sense of Ownership
Students select their projects, co-design the course, run class as a company, elect their CEO’s, vote for activities and major decisions and get rewarded for constructive criticism.
Social Intelligence
Students help each other within the team & between teams, teach the class, advise & mentor peers, sit in a u-shape style and enjoy social activities inside and outside the classroom.
RWC Achievements
Year 2007
In summer 2007, RWC students presented their real-world projects at News12 NJ TV and were interviewed by Brian Jenks for 20+ minutes. In Fall, the founder of RWC won a national award from Carnegie Foundation with a permanent congressional record for innovation in education and NJIT’s- wide excellence in service award.
Year 2008-09
In summer 2008, RWC students presented their Global Microscope project to NASA headquarters in Washington DC and received an appreciation letter from NASA executive director of education. In summer 2008 and 2009, RWC winners received year-long mentorships from top executives at Saint Barnabas Health Care System.
Year 2012-13
In 2012, RWC students presented their Innovations at the Liberty Science Center. In summer 2013 RWC students ran the entire program by themselves as teachers and managers
Current Partnerships
Partnered with Johnson & Johnson for more than seven years and this partnership only continues to grow. Partnered with the Enterprise Development Center at NJIT, Saint Barnabas Medical Center, several educational, humanitarian and non-profit organizations.
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