PAST Receives Grant from Battelle to Fund The STEM Identity Project

COLUMBUS, Ohio – The PAST Foundation is the proud recipient of a $3,000,000 three-year Battelle grant that will impact and expand the formation of STEM identity in students across the Pre-K12 ecosystem. Traditionally, many students were not aware of STEM opportunities until their entrance to post-secondary enrollment and/or the STEM workforce. This project will change the diversity dynamics in STEM by introducing STEM concepts from the beginning of students’ formal educational experience and continue throughout their educational journey.

PAST Foundation believes that a student’s STEM identity plays a powerful role in an individual’s success in educational environments, as well as on their career goals and the ability to earn a sustainable wage in STEM careers after high school or college.

“Traditionally STEM identities have been white, male, Eurocentric perspectives, and not readily available to all students regardless of gender and race,” said Dr. Annalies Corbin, President & CEO of the PAST Foundation. “PAST and Battelle collectively want to change that narrative so that all students can pursue STEM opportunities equally.”

“A quality STEM education opens the door to tremendous opportunity for every child,” said Wes Hall, Vice President of Philanthropy and Education. “The STEM Identity Project will connect thousands of young people in Central Ohio to these life-changing experiences. As the region’s hub of the Ohio STEM Learning Network, the PAST Foundation will serve as the launchpad for growing STEM excellence and equity.”

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