June 28, 2018 — Columbus, Ohio (Business Wire) | From rocketry to computer science to agriculture, Central Ohio students will have a range of new learning opportunities outside of the classroom thanks to grants from Battelle.
Today, Battelle awards $607,500 in a ceremony at its King Avenue headquarters to fund 14 out-of-classroom learning activities in Central Ohio. It’s the largest total funding in a single year as the Battelle STEM Grant Program completes its sixth annual round of awards. Providing new opportunities for students to experience quality science, technology, engineering and math (STEM) education is Battelle’s top philanthropic priority. To date, the program has awarded more than $3.1 million.
“Great scientific progress relies not just on technical expertise and knowledge but also creativity,” said Lou Von Thaer, President and CEO of Battelle. “The out-of-classroom experiences we support today will foster the next generation of ideas.”
The Battelle STEM Grant Program supports Central Ohio organizations that link STEM education to the arts.
“We are proud to help creative educators in our community find new ways to connect kids to critical subjects and to each other,” said Dr. Aimee Kennedy, Senior Vice President, Education, STEM Learning & Philanthropy. “Unlocking the potential of these young innovators ensures a future of innovation for Central Ohio and the world.”
The 14 out-of-classroom learning activities funded by Battelle are:
Teen Open Studio, a project of the Columbus Museum of Art
Teen Open studio is a free, twice weekly, drop-in program that offers a space for teens aged 13–19 to connect with one another, pursue artistic interests and cultivate 21st century habits and mindsets. The program provides free access to quality resources and support from peers, mentors and visiting creative professionals.
The Works STEM After School Initiative, a project of The Works: Ohio Center for History, Art & Technology
Partnering with middle schools in Licking County, The Works: Ohio Center for History, Art and Technology will build on activities from previous years, supporting teachers through professional learning and cross-district mentorship and collaboration while expanding student access to creative out-of-school learning opportunities to explore STEM concepts and careers.
The Opening Access to STEAM in Informal Settings (OASIS) Project, a project of Directions for Youth & Families
The Opening Access to STEAM in Informal Settings (OASIS) Project aims to increase access to quality STEAM enrichment in traditionally underserved areas by delivering on-demand learning for students in after-school programs or summer camps. Online project labs are accessible anytime, and with coaches to facilitate in-class learning, the curriculum focuses on emerging technologies and creativity while providing accessibility for all.
Dowd Education Center, a project of the Homeless Families Foundation
The Homeless Families Foundation’s Dowd Education Center will expand current afterschool and summer programs, offering new STEAM-infused activities like video production, coding, program and web development, basic gardening and environmental studies to engage students in building vital skills and exploring career options.
Camp Days for STEM Education, a project of the Simon Kenton Council, Boy Scouts of America
The Simon Kenton Council Boy Scouts of America will provide a “Classroom in the Woods” experience at Camp Lazarus in Delaware County for up to 1,500 students in grades 1–5 from local urban schools. STEM learning experiences will include archery, fitness and team-building activities and a nature hike.
Artistic American Sign Language, a project of Shadowbox Live
Shadowbox Live will continue its partnership with Columbus State Community College to teach American Sign Language students artistic interpretation and how to physically and emotionally embrace the characters performing on stage to expand theatrical interpreting services to the deaf community.
Techie Camp: Educating, Exciting and Empowering Students with the “T” in STEM, a project of TECH CORPS
TECH CORPS will expand their impact throughout Franklin County by offering a series of 10 Techie Camps to 200 elementary and middle school students underrepresented in computer science and technology. Techie Camp is a full day, week-long summer camp designed to educate, excite and empower students with technology while promoting creativity, critical thinking and collaboration.
Girl Scouts Make Zone, a project of Girls Scouts of Ohio’s Heartland
Girl Scouts of Ohio’s Heartland will create the Make Zone, a maker space for girls in grades K–12 to explore STEM activities like robotics, 3D printing and prototyping, design and engineering, TV and multimedia and more. Learning experiences will offer opportunities for girls to gain leadership skills while learning about STEM careers and engaging in hands-on science and extracurricular activities.
Out-of-School-Time Learning Package, a project of COSI
The Out-of-School-Time Learning Package offers a school-year long deep dive into a STEM content area or career field, and will serve approximately 150 youths, aged 10–14 during their afterschool participation at five Boys and Girls Club of Columbus sites.
Marysville Early College High School Maker Mart, a project of Marysville School District
The Marysville Early College High School Maker Mart will create space for students to learn and collaborate outside of the traditional classroom, while accessing equipment and program content beyond the standard curriculum. Additional support will prepare students for off-site internships and life beyond high school, allowing them to gain valuable skills and experience in automation, IT, entrepreneurship, and collaborative soft skills.
STEMPossible: A Collective Community Approach, a project of the United Way of Delaware County
STEMPossible, a program of the United Way of Delaware County Strengthening Families initiative, aims to grow middle school students’ interest and engagement in STEM by nurturing a culture where curiosity is encouraged, imagination is expected, and critical thinking is valued. STEMPossible connects students to the world of STEM and their academic work in a fun, innovative and inclusive way.
Green STEM, a project of the Friends of the Franklin Park Conservatory
Through the Franklin Park Conservatory’s Green STEM after school program, 35 middle-school students from Columbus City Preparatory School for Girls will use the Conservatory’s extensive plant collection as a living classroom to learn about environmental and life sciences through creative and engaging approaches such as cooking, dance and design.
Reynoldsburg High Greenhouse and Growing Center, a project of Reynoldsburg City Schools
Students at the Reynoldsburg High Greenhouse and Growing Center will have the opportunity to build an understanding of the food and agricultural system by designing and creating a growing program. By exploring urban farming techniques, sustainability practices, and learning how to prepare and cook the food they grow, students will become engaged in positive lifestyle choices that can having a lasting impact on their communities.
Knox County Space and Rocket Team NASA Space Launch Initiative, a project of Knox County Space and Rocket Team 4-H Club
The Knox County Space and Rocket Team 4-H Club and Large Rocket Team will participate in the 2020 NASA Student Launch Initiative, a 20-month commitment culminating to design, construct and fly a high-powered rocket, following the NASA design lifecycle.
About Battelle
Every day, the people of Battelle apply science and technology to solving what matters most. At major technology centers and national laboratories around the world, Battelle conducts research and development, designs and manufactures products, and delivers critical services for government and commercial customers. Headquartered in Columbus, Ohio since its founding in 1929, Battelle serves the national security, health and life sciences, and energy and environmental industries. For more information, visit www.battelle.org.