Galloway, N.J. — Stockton University in partnership with the Levine and Gormley Family Foundations announced Friday the launch of a new $2 million initiative to expand access to high-quality STEM education for Atlantic County students.

The pledge from the two foundations will create the Levine-Gormley STEM Scholars Pathway Program that will provide scholarships and other support for Atlantic County students interested in science, technology, engineering and mathematics degree programs at Stockton. Eligible students may receive up to $10,000 per year in scholarships renewable for up to four years.

“This is the kind of giving that lifts students, fuels dreams and ripples outward to strengthen the entire region. Today, we’re celebrating a gift that goes far beyond dollars. It’s about believing in our students, investing in their potential and building a future we can all be proud of. It’s a partnership rooted in care and vision, one that will open doors for generations to come,” said Stockton President Joe Bertolino.

The Levine and Gormley families, long-time Atlantic County residents and community leaders, have a deep history of civic engagement and philanthropy in the region. In November, the families donated $100,000 to create a fund benefiting students in Stockton’s Master of Social Work program. Sen. Bill Gormley, a former longtime New Jersey State Senator, and his wife, Ginny, are from Margate, and Lee and Sandra Levine live in Longport.

The families’ investment in the STEM Scholars Pathway Program and the Stockton Foundation reflects a shared belief in education as a powerful tool for long-term community growth and prosperity.

“There is not an ounce of self-promotion in Lee Levine. He is only donating the money because he loves Atlantic City,” Bill Gormley said. “Lee mirrors what is important locally. He is a graduate of Atlantic City High School, his favorite meal is a White House sub, the most important executive to him is general manager of the Eagles, and he believes the greatest coach of any sport at any time is Stan Bergman.”

“This is another great chapter in the story of Stockton Atlantic City. I want to acknowledge Atlantic County Executive Dennis Levinson, who was a driving force in support of Stockton coming to Atlantic City, Jon Hanson and Chris Paladino from the Atlantic City Development Corporation — a true real estate dream team — and John Scarpa, whose support has helped to elevate the campus,” Gormley added. “All of us, Lee and I, and all those who have contributed to this project, should be proud of this presence in the city and the future of this campus."

The program features a cohort-based model in which up to 10 students per year with specific STEM majors are grouped together to foster peer support, aligned advising and targeted professional development.

“This program is about more than scholarships. It’s about belonging,” Bertolino said. “It will create a cohort of STEM-focused students from Atlantic County, support them as they move through their degree programs, and help them build confidence, community and purpose along the way. It tells students: You matter. You belong here. And Stockton is here for you.”

A selection committee composed of representatives from Stockton and the Atlantic County Institute of Technology will identify students in their junior year of high school and provide them with early decision admission to Stockton. Students will also be able to take advantage of several dual enrollment courses the university offers to high school students to accelerate the time it takes to earn a degree.

Once enrolled, the students will benefit from enrichment programming at the university’s Atlantic City campus, including career preparation, internship opportunities, industry engagement, networking events and coordinated campus visits.

Gormley added that beyond individual student success, the program is designed to strengthen the region as a whole by cultivating local STEM talent and supporting workforce development in Atlantic County.

“I believe that Stockton University’s commitment to Atlantic City is the most important factor that Atlantic City has going forward,” Lee Levine said. “This program will help local gifted kids become educated here. And if they’ve been educated here, maybe some of them will stay here, and we can develop a city and a county that’s tech-oriented that people will come to. I’m hoping this project will help those kids get the education that a great university would give them.”

By helping students build careers close to home, the initiative reinforces Stockton’s role as a regional Anchor Institution and a driver of economic opportunity, Bertolino added.

“The students who will benefit from the Levine-Gormley STEM Scholars Pathway Program will go on to solve problems we have yet to imagine, to contribute to the vitality of Atlantic County and to carry forward the spirit of service that inspired this gift,” he said.

Dan Nugent, the executive director of the Stockton Foundation, said Gormley’s calls are always welcome by those fortunate to receive them because he comes with new ideas or a genuine offer to help move Stockton’s work in the community forward.

“Senator Gormley’s public service reflects a deep understanding of the intersection of policy, education and economic development, and a firm belief that collaboration across sectors can create lasting public good. Few exhibit greater passion for our community,” said Dan Nugent, the executive director of the Stockton Foundation. “Likewise, Lee Levine has exemplified civic leadership through his steadfast support of important causes, his deep love for Atlantic City and his distinguished legal career. He is admired by the community as a true gentleman, a consummate professional and a leader.”

Michael J. Charlton, president and CEO of AtlantiCare, said the new partnership is the type of bold, community-rooted investment envisioned in his company’s Vision 2030 strategy.

“By working alongside Stockton University and local leaders to create a clear, affordable STEM pathway for Atlantic County students, we are strengthening educational access, building our future workforce, and advancing economic mobility in the communities we serve,” Charlton said. “Developing local talent and creating equitable opportunities are essential to improving long-term health, prosperity and life outcomes across our region. We are proud to support this extraordinary generosity and applaud the leadership and commitment of Senator and Mrs. Gormley and Mr. and Mrs. Lee Levine in making this opportunity possible for students in our community.”

State Sen. Vince Polistina emphasized how the program will create a “powerful bridge” between ACIT and other Atlantic County high schools for high-achieving students to get an affordable education at Stockton.

“By pairing that academic journey with internship placements at AtlantiCare and exposure to other social innovation and technology-driven opportunities — including initiatives like the New Jersey Economic Development Authority’s Strategic Innovation Center — we are connecting classroom learning to the industries shaping our region’s future,” Polistina said.

“This is how we keep talent local, fuel innovation and ensure southern New Jersey remains competitive, forward-looking and economically strong. Through initiatives such as this, we have the ability to expand upon existing private-public partnerships but also be able to funnel qualified, local residents to related government entities operating within Atlantic County, such as the Division of Gaming Enforcement,” Polistina said. “I want to, again, thank Mr. Levine and Senator Gormley for their continued investment in Atlantic County’s future.”

The Stockton Foundation is dedicated to supporting Stockton University by providing scholarships, funding academic programs and enhancing the student experience. Through the generosity of donors, the Foundation helps remove barriers to student success. For more information about the Foundation and how to support students, visit stockton.edu/foundation.

-- Story by Mark Melhorn, photos by Susan Allen