The Marine Academy of Technology and Environmental Science (MATES) is happy to announce their 22nd Annual MATES PTSO Gift Auction to be held on Saturday, April 20, 2024. We hope you are able to donate to our auction. We are sure that you get many requests for donations; and making the decision on who to donate to must be a difficult choice. We are hoping that our school will stand out, and you will be generous enough to consider us when making those choices.

Our school is a specialized public high school, for students in Ocean County, with a focus on marine ecology and environmental science and geared toward students who wish to concentrate their studies in the areas of math and science. Everyday our students arrive at school, eagerly anticipating the opportunity to make a difference. Despite a very rigorous curriculum, our students find time to make a difference, not only in the environment, but in the community around them. A few examples of the students' passions are: cleaning the beaches and surrounding areas, relay for life teams, food bank contributions, turtle release, and many others. MATES was even ranked the #1 Public School in Ocean County, #7 in the State of NJ, and #50 in the USA by Niche in 2023.

The mission of MATES is to provide an opportunity for students in Ocean County to evolve into critical thinkers, researchers, and problem solvers. Students of this academy participate in an interactive, challenging and engaging curriculum with a focus on science, technology, engineering, arts, and mathematics. MATES empowers its students with skills important to post-secondary study and employment in a global community.

All proceeds will be used to help students achieve their goals of improving the environment and community, and allowing them to further their educational purpose. MATES is fundraising to purchase research equipment to further learn about and improve the water quality for marine ecology. Any additional funds will go toward student scholarships.

*Donations can be mailed to the address above, or we would be happy to arrange for someone to collect them. All businesses will be announced during the auction of their donated gift. Businesses that donate products valued at $250 or more, will be advertised on our MATES PTSO homepage. For monetary donations, please make checks payable to: MATES PTSO.

Thank you for your time and consideration and feel free to contact me with any questions.