Enrichment courses offered

The Stars Challenge is a certified 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization that was created to provide science enrichment programs for junior high school students in sixth through eighth grade who rank at the top of their class in math and science.

Their goal is to keep students involved and interested in science and technology.

Margaret Ann Chappell and Stephen Chappell are co-founders of The Stars Challenge. Margaret Ann worked in Bell Labs. Stephen is the retired president of the Software Business at Telcordia Technologies.

One person who instructs the classes is Marc Coe, who teaches at the Cedar Drive School in Colts Neck. Coe has taught math and science for 13 years and was recognized by the New Jersey State Systemic Initiative Program for innovative use of technology in the classroom, according to a press release.

Coe was the first teacher hired by Stars Challenge.

His first class was the "Wonder of Flight" teaching aerodynamics all the back to the Wright brothers.

This fall Coe plans to teach "The Environment & You," an informative class discussing the impact each student has on the environment, and an in-depth study of watersheds, ecosystems and environmental problems such as pollution.

Each course runs for 10 weeks and tuition is $500. Classes are held at Monmouth University, West Long Branch. The application deadline for the fall semester is Sept. 28. For additional information call (732) 530-1061.