COLUMBUS, Ohio (June 23, 2016) – From maple syrup to computer coding, solar balloons to young gardeners, Central Ohio kids will have new out-of-classroom learning opportunities thanks to grants from Battelle.

Battelle has awarded $565,000 to fund 14 out-of-classroom learning projects in Central Ohio. This marks Battelle's largest total funding and the largest number of awardees as the Battelle STEM Grant Program completes its fourth round of awards since 2013. Providing new opportunities for children to experience quality science, technology, engineering and math (STEM) education is a top philanthropic priority for Battelle.

"We offer STEM grants to inspire the next generation of scientists and engineers with innovative programs," said Jeff Wadsworth, President and CEO of Battelle. “This is part of our founding mission at Battelle, and we are proud to drive STEM education forward by partnering with these impressive organizations.”

The Battelle STEM Grant Program supports Central Ohio organizations that link the creative disciplines to the STEM fields.

"STEM is about more than math and science class,” said Aimee Kennedy, Vice President, Education, STEM Learning & Philanthropy. “It is about creating experiences where kids can practice real world problem-solving. We want kids to have educational experiences that prepare them for college, career and life."

Battelle has funded: 

• Berwick B.O.O.S.T. – Building Ongoing Opportunities for STEAM Thinking – a project of Berwick Alternative K-8 (STEAM School) – Columbus City Schools - $40,000
  • In collaboration with Columbus College of Art & Design, Berwick Alternative K-8 is implementing a “STEAM Design Challenge Bootcamp” in August for approximately 100 Berwick 8th graders.

• We Love Our Roots – a project of the Canal Winchester Local School District - $25,000
  • With roots in agriculture, the Canal Winchester Local School District is providing students and families the opportunity to promote, protect and preserve the environment through activities during and after school hours.
• Teen Open Studio – a project of the Columbus Museum of Art - $80,000
  • Teen Open Studio is a weekly after-school program offered free to Central Ohio teens where they can be connected with mentors, digital and cultural resources, and each other.
• SIMPLR After-School STEM & Literacy Alliance – a project of the Directions for Youth and Families - $50,000
  • The goal of the SIMPLR After-School STEM & Literacy Alliance is to create an ecosystem of STEM clubs which progress through a common curriculum during the year and culminates in an Olympic-style STEM competition in May where individuals and teams compete.
• Career Exploration and 21st Century Skills Building for Middle School Youth – a project of the Franklin County Historical Society (COSI) - $70,000
  • Launching a pilot program last year, COSI will continue the Career Exploration and 21st Century Skills Building for Middle School Youth for the 2016-17 school year, intending to work with up to 180 middle school aged youths from three communities.
• Tree Tappers: A GSOH STEM Program – a project of the Girl Scouts of Ohio’s Heartland Council, Inc. - $45,000
  • For 2017, GSOH plans to expand the Tree Tappers program to Camp KJ, allowing them to recruit 450 girls and 150 adults. Offering four programs, girls will have different experiences leading up to the Maple Syrup Festival. 
• Conservation Classroom – a project of the Grange Insurance Audubon Center - $50,000
  • Providing a unique urban nature oasis to students, the Grange Insurance Audubon Center will work with fourth grade classes to use hands-on learning experiences in the classroom including three field trips to further students understanding of STEM topics and concepts.
• Exciting Little Garden Learners and Their Parents – a project of the Highland Youth Garden (Fiscal Agent is the Gladden Community House) - $15,000
  • The Highland Youth Garden has served children from this area for eight years and will provide after school programming with a STEM focus.
• Knox County, Ohio, Solar Eclipse Space Balloon Project – a project of the Knox County, Ohio, Solar Eclipse Space Balloon Project - $5,000
  • Students in Knox County, Ohio will design, construct and launch a space balloon to capture video from 100,000 feet above the Earth’s surface as the August 21, 2017 eclipse occurs.
• STEM Rocks the Box – a project of the Shadowbox Live, ShadoArt Productions, Inc. - $10,000
  • Designed for high school and early college students, the Shadowbox Academy will prepare students for life challenges no matter what field they pursue by building resilience, overcoming fears, receiving critical/constructive feedback and experience the thrill of performing.
• Camp Days for STEM Education – a project of the Simon Kenton Council, Boy Scouts of America - $25,000
  • Partnering with Urban ScoutReach, the Simon Kenton Council Boy Scouts of America will provide the entire K-5 populations of Noble Academy and Parkmoor Elementary School (up to 500 students) with “Classroom in the Woods” at Camp Lazarus in Delaware County.
• High School Coding Camp: The Next Gen of Coders – a project of the TECH CORPS - $50,000
  • TECH CORPS, in partnership with Franklin University and Central Ohio school districts, will develop and implement a two week, full day summer computer science experience for 25 Central Ohio high school students.
• Dowd Education Center STEAM/PBL Instruction – a project of the Homeless Families Foundation - $50,000
  • The Homeless Families Foundation’s Dowd Education Center will expand their current program to increase the use of Project Based Learning and incorporate the Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts and Math Philosophy.
• The Works STEM After School – a project of The Works: Ohio Center for History, Art and Technology - $50,000
  • Partnering with middle schools in Licking County, The Works: Ohio Center for History, Art and Technology will offer creative out-of-school opportunities for students to explore STEM concepts and careers through engagement in hands-on, inquiry-based programs.

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.