Battelle Aims to Impact 25,000 Students Through Community STEM Grants

COLUMBUS, Ohio (June 1, 2021) – A portfolio of 14 high-quality STEM education programs funded by Battelle is intended to reach more than over 25,000 Central Ohio students during the next year.

For this year’s annual Battelle STEM Grant Program, $504,000 has been awarded to new or expanded learning programs in Central Ohio. Providing more access for all 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 $4 million.

“As Battelle pushes toward its goal to reach one million students annually with STEM experiences by 2025, we know we can’t do it alone,” said Lou Von Thaer, President and CEO of Battelle. “The investments we make today with our community partners will reach students wherever they are over the coming year.” 

Through the Battelle STEM Grant Program, Central Ohio organizations expand STEM learning experiences outside of the school classroom and reach students underserved by traditional opportunities.

“Learning can happen anywhere,” said Wes Hall, Vice President of Education and Philanthropy. “This summer, out-of-school experiences will help students regain learning and these grants will help our partners to scale to reach even more students.” 

The 14 out-of-classroom learning activities funded by Battelle are:

Girls in Science Day by Capital University

One-hundred middle school girls from Columbus City Schools will spend a day doing hands-on science workshops with Capital University faculty and student ambassadors. Students will explore STEM fields and careers and establish mentorship relationships.

Science-to-go kits for Rosemore Middle School by Capital University

Science-to-go kits will be created and distributed by biologist Dr. Kimberly Heym to 8th grade science students at the nearby Rosemore Middle School in Whitehall. In coordination with their classroom lessons, students will use the kits at home to complete scientific experiments including creating a geologic timeline with Jell-O layers and extracting DNA from strawberries.

STEM Enrichment Programs Make Learning RICH! by Clintonville-Beechwold Community Resources Center

A project-based program called School Beats will be added to the Kids Club menu of enrichment offerings. Students aged 5-12 will learn about the entertainment industry, from the science of sound waves to the use of technology to being a CEO of a record label.

WonderPass by Columbus Museum of Art

The museum will offer a year-long set of research-based experiences of critical thinking through art and the creative process. In-gallery resources and at-home kits will be available for K-12 students and their caregivers, including free summer admission for Columbus City Schools students.

FPC Camp STEM by Franklin Park Conservatory and Botanical Gardens

A new partnership with Columbus City Schools will provide six, week-long summer mini-camps that bring STEM concepts to life through experiential learning. Live virtual and in-person programs and field trips will be offered to K-12 students, including students with special needs.

Mind Map by Gladden Community House

Students of the Gladden Community House will be guided through off-site learning experiences by visiting local businesses in the Franklinton neighborhood. Students will self-select based on their interests and hands-on activities will be available. Partners include but not limited to: Orange Barrel Media, Franklinton Cycleworks and Kolbolt Studios.

Green Teens Grow at Highland Youth Garden

Hilltop community teens will be back in the garden this summer participating in an eight-week leadership program to foster positive work habits introduce STEM through lessons on horticulture, nutrition, and cooking. In the fall, these participants will teach garden programming to K-6 graders.

Lakewood Local Schools STEM Club

This weekly afterschool program fosters collaboration through small scale design challenges linked to Ohio Academic Content Standards. In addition to 5th graders, the program will expand to interested students in 3rd and 4th grades.

Exploring Modern Farming by Ohio Soybean Council Foundation

Pre-service teachers will learn how to facilitate quality afterschool programs, STEM summer camps, and other outreach events throughout the 2021-22 school year. STEM activity topics include agriculture technology, food production and water quality.

Reconnecting to Nature by Ohio Wildlife Center

This project engages K-8 students through themes around urban space stewardship, sustainability, conservation, and ecosystems and understanding wildlife. In collaboration with the Homeless Family Foundation, this pilot program will be offered to under-served urban students and delivered both on-site and in-person through afterschool sessions and a week of summer day camp.

Camp Architecture and Design, High School Design Studio by The Center for Architecture and Design

Scholarships will help disadvantaged 3-12 graders to attend grade-appropriate camps to study and learn the fundamentals of architecture, interior design, industrial design and city and regional planning. Activities are combination of hands-on projects, collegiate studio experience, and opportunities to meet professionals in the field.

STEMulation Zones: STEMulating Underrepresented Students in the Greater Columbus Area by The Gaskins Foundation

Currently operating in six cities throughout the country, this innovative two-generation approach to STEM content delivery uses community engagement and family empowerment in an urban environment. A train-the-trainer model allows families and community members to become facilitators of relevant K-12 STEM hands-on programming.

Responsive STEM Learning for Communities by The Works: Ohio Center for History, Art, and Technology

Focused on youth and families in Licking, Fairfield and Delaware counties, two programs will provide STEM enrichment experiences to PreK-8 students outside of the museum. Works on Wheels will provide access to STEM mentors/educators and equipment and technology. Home kits provide themed activities to explore science, engineering and art.

STEMPossible by United Way of Delaware County

Focused on high-risk middle school students, this club-based program sparks interest and engagement by facilitating student-led conversations with the local STEM workforce and community members. Offerings include events, including a Women in STEM Day for girls in grades 5-12 as well as National Science Teaching Association professional development for facilitators.

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.