Ocean County Vocational Technical School (OCVTS) in Manahawkin, New Jersey, stands out for its specialized focus on career and technical education. The Manahawkin campus is home to the Marine Academy of Technology and Environmental Science (MATES), a distinguished high school program aimed at college-bound students fervently interested in STEM disciplines, particularly marine and environmental science 34. MATES is renowned for its rigorous curriculum that combines academic excellence with extensive fieldwork, fostering an immersive learning environment that emphasizes critical thinking and problem-solving skills. Equipped with state-of-the-art labs and resources, the school offers students hands-on learning opportunities that prepare them for success in both higher education and their future careers in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics 15.

The supportive and challenging atmosphere at MATES ensures that students are both motivated and well-prepared, as reflected in its graduates' impressive college acceptance rates, including admissions to top-tier universities across the nation 3. In addition to the offerings at MATES, OCVTS also presents a broad array of programs including adult education and apprenticeships throughout Ocean County, making education both accessible and convenient for students in the region 113.