Hillside High JETS Students Compete at 2026 National TEAMS Competition

Hillside High School JETS students took part in the 2026 National TEAMS Competition, held in June in Washington, DC. The experience provided students with the opportunity to research engineering challenges, test prototypes, and defend their ideas before evaluators from across the United States and the international STEM community.

JETS stands for Junior Engineering, Technicians and Scientists. The program provides students with hands-on experience in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics. The national TEAMS competition—which stands for Tests of Engineering Aptitude, Mathematics and Science—brings together top student teams from around the country to tackle real-world engineering problems.

"The experience strengthened their leadership, innovation, critical-thinking, communication, and career-readiness skills while competing alongside some of the top TEAMS qualifiers from across the United States and the international STEM community," the Hillside Public Schools noted on its social media page.

Competing at the national level represents a significant achievement for Hillside students. The journey to nationals requires dedication, teamwork, and technical expertise. Students on the JETS team invested time in research, prototype development, and presenting their solutions to accomplished judges.

Union County Life covers Hillside education news, student achievement, and STEM initiatives from Hillside High School and Hillside Public Schools.

The District recognized STEM educator Ekponwan Ebong for her work guiding and mentoring the students through the competition. Educator support is critical to student success in STEM programs, and Ebong's commitment helped shape the team's experience and performance.

The JETS program at Hillside represents the district's commitment to science and engineering education. By providing students with competitive STEM opportunities, the school prepares young people for careers in engineering, technology, and related fields.

For Hillside students interested in joining JETS or exploring STEM opportunities at Hillside High School, contact the school directly or inquire with the STEM department about program availability and meeting times.

Discover more Hillside education news and student achievement stories on Union County Life.

FAQ

Q: What is the JETS program at Hillside High School?
A: JETS stands for Junior Engineering, Technicians and Scientists. It is a program at Hillside High School that provides students with hands-on experience in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM).

Q: What is the TEAMS competition?
A: TEAMS stands for Tests of Engineering Aptitude, Mathematics and Science. It is a national competition where student teams research engineering challenges, develop and test prototypes, and defend their ideas before evaluators. The 2026 National TEAMS Competition was held in Washington, DC.

Q: Who represented Hillside High School at the national competition?
A: Hillside High School sent a JETS student team to compete at the 2026 National TEAMS Competition in Washington, DC. The specific students and team size are not detailed in the official announcement.

Q: What skills did Hillside students develop through the competition?
A: According to Hillside Public Schools, the competition strengthened students' leadership, innovation, critical-thinking, communication, and career-readiness skills.

Q: Who was recognized for supporting the Hillside JETS team?
A: The District recognized STEM educator Ekponwan Ebong for her work guiding and mentoring the JETS students through the competition.

Q: How competitive was the national TEAMS competition?
A: The 2026 National TEAMS Competition brought together top TEAMS qualifiers from across the United States and the international STEM community, making it a highly competitive event for participating schools.

Q: How can Hillside students join the JETS program?
A: Students interested in joining JETS or exploring STEM opportunities at Hillside High School should contact the school directly or inquire with the STEM department about program availability, meeting times, and application procedures.

Q: Does Hillside High School have other STEM programs?
A: Hillside Public Schools supports STEM education through the JETS program and the STEM department. Contact Hillside High School for information about other STEM-related opportunities and coursework.

Q: Where can I find more information about Hillside High School student achievement?
A: Union County Life covers Hillside education news and student achievement stories. Visit Union County Life for updates on Hillside High School programs and student accomplishments.