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Discover the prestigious Awards and Recognition PAST Foundation has achieved throughout our history. Learn more about our accolades today! Awards and Recognition Our History Since 2000, PAST Foundation has been recognized for its leadership in STEM education, transdisciplinary innovation, and community collaboration. Our awards and grants reflect the trust placed in our work by partners across education, government, and industry. Below are selected highlights from recent years. Want to Help Make More of This Possible? Every recognition is the result of partnership. If you’re interested in supporting our work or becoming a funding partner, we’d love to hear from you! Make a Donation Partner with Us Awards and Recognition 2020–2025 Highlights 2025 Daniel G. Roberts Award for Excellence in Public Historical Archaeology, Society for Historical Archaeology. 2023 OhioX Trailblazers Award, OhioX Association. In recognition for her leadership and contributions to transforming tech in Ohio. 2020 Future 50, Columbus CEO Magazine, inaugural class of Future 50 Innovators and Leaders in Columbus, Ohio. 2016-2019 Highlights 2019 Women in Design Awardee, Columbus College of Art and Design. 2018 Columbus Business First BizTech Outstanding Technology Team Award, to PAST Foundation and JadeTrack for their work in creating the Energy4Learning Program. 2017 Columbus Business First BizTech Outstanding Non-Profit Service Award, in recognition of contributions made to a culture of technology leadership and innovation. 2016 Smart Business Magazine Smart 50 in Ohio, Names PAST Foundation and Annalies Corbin for excellence in innovation. 2016 Carol V. Ruppe’ Distinguished Service Award, to honor her record of sustained and outstanding service to both the Society of Historical Archaeology and The Advisory Council on Underwater Archaeology. 2016 White House Summit on High School Redesign, recognized PAST Foundation innovative approaches in high school design. 2016 STEM 2026, PAST Foundation recognized for excellence in Innovation by the U.S. Department of Education. 2000–2015 Highlights While our work continues to evolve, these early recognitions laid the foundation for what PAST is today: 2015 Clinton Global Initiative 2015, PAST Foundation honored before the Redefining Rural and Native America Education roundtable. 2013 The Women’s Book Magazine Profile, Highlighted as a leading Columbus area STEM education non-profit CEO. 2012 100 Women Leaders in STEM Profile, Acknowledged for work in a leading STEM organization. 2006 National Oceanic Partnership Program Excellence in Partnering Award, presented for “The Archaeological and Biological Analysis. Connect with Us Inspired by the impact? Join us in creating more! Every award reflects a network of partners who believe in linking learning to life. Partner with Us Make a Donation Contact Us

Explore 'Learning Unboxed with Annalies Corbin' for insights on positive disruption in education and industry partnerships. Discover the innovative podcast now! Learning Unboxed with Annalies Corbin Discover the role of positive disruption in the education and business and industry partnerships of today and the near future. Most Recent Episodes All Episodes Start Listening New episodes every week featuring voices from education, business, research, and beyond. Each conversation highlights the innovative ideas and unlikely collaborations that are reimagining what learning can look like. Listen on Your Favorite Platform Spotify Apple Podcasts Stitcher About the Podcast The Learning Unboxed podcast dives into the bold ideas and forward-thinking practices transforming education from the ground up. Hosted by PAST Foundation Founder and CEO Annalies Corbin, each episode offers a window into real-world innovation, from classroom redesigns to workforce pipelines and everything in between. I would argue that, in fact, education is not broken. It’s just no longer relevant — we spend billions of dollars annually trying to fix something that’s not actually broken. Our current education system is functioning exactly as it was designed 100 years ago. The problem is that the current system is obsolete. —Annalies Corbin Whether you're an educator, entrepreneur, policy maker, or lifelong learner, this podcast invites you into the conversation. Meet the Host: Annalies Corbin As founder and CEO of the PAST Foundation, Annalies has helped transform how communities connect education to real-world opportunity. Through her work with educators, students, researchers, and business leaders, she has become a national voice for innovation in education and workforce development. More About Annalies LinkedIn Join the Conversation Innovation in learning starts with sharing ideas. Dive into our latest episodes or subscribe to get inspired by the voices shaping the future of education. Contact Us All Episodes

Discover how Microschools Powered by PAST revolutionize STEM education with personalized, community-focused learning. Explore our Microschools today! Microschools Powered by PAST Personalized, community-rooted learning for the next generation of STEM leaders PAST Microschools integrate personalized, community-focused learning environments, tailored to address STEM education challenges. Partnering with community, academic, and industry stakeholders, we customize programs to meet student needs. The PAST Foundation Innovation Lab is integral to each Microschool’s framework, operating for over a decade and impacting hundreds of students from underrepresented backgrounds. Through this lab, students have immersive, hands-on learning experiences, personalized mentorship, and invaluable exposure to real-world applications in STEM. Explore Our Microschools 01 Early IT Microschool A partnership with the University of Cincinnati empowering high school students to earn early college credit and pursue careers in information technology. Explore 02 Medicine & Biotechnology Microschool A collaboration with Columbus State introducing students to college-level healthcare and biotech coursework, career pathways, and professional certifications. Explore Why Microschools? Microschools create tight-knit communities where students receive the attention, structure, and challenge they need to thrive. Our model is particularly effective for students from underserved populations who benefit from culturally responsive, hands-on education. Our approach integrates anthropology and STEM to deliver culturally relevant educational experiences. Interested in Launching a Microschool? We partner with school districts to co-design custom microschool experiences that match local workforce needs and student interests. Our team supports districts with recruitment, summer boot camps, curriculum design, data collection, and ongoing mentorship. Bring a PAST Microschool to your district or organization. Contact Us

Explore immersive Professional Development at PAST, designed for real-world applications. Join our collaborative sessions for impactful growth. Professional Development Hands-On. High-Impact. PD Designed With You in Mind. At PAST, we believe professional learning should be as dynamic and relevant as the classrooms and communities you serve. That’s why our professional development offerings are immersive, collaborative, and built around real-world applications. Whether you're an educator, administrator, or community partner, we’ll help you reimagine how learning happens, and give you the tools to make it stick. See Upcoming Opportunities Immersive Professional Development Our immersive PD experiences combine virtual prep with in-person, hands-on implementation. Each session explores a focused topic—like robotics, agricultural engineering, Minecraft in education, or the integration of STEM and the arts. You’ll collaborate with peers, content experts, and PAST facilitators to design innovative strategies you can take straight back to your classroom or organization. Pre-session online coursework with video podcasts and virtual discussions An intensive on-site experience with applied, collaborative learning Scaffolded support to help you build and test new instructional strategies Real-time feedback from mentors and peers On-Site Professional Development Bring PAST to your school, district, or organization! We work directly with partners to design custom PD experiences that align with your goals, culture, and community. Together, we’ll co-create a learning experience that supports your team and drives lasting impact. In-depth planning and discovery to understand your unique needs Facilitation by expert educators and systems thinkers Strategies grounded in problem-based learning, equity, and real-world relevance Ongoing coaching and implementation support as needed Let’s collaborate to build a stronger foundation for teaching and learning. Start the Conversation What People Are Saying Across the country, educators, students, and partners are seeing the difference real-world learning can make. Here’s what a few of them had to say about working with the PAST Foundation: I enjoyed the hands-on experiences (ice breakers, pick-me-ups, projects, etc.), as resources that I can directly turn around and utilize are always perfect for classroom educators.” What People Are Saying Across the country, educators, students, and partners are seeing the difference real-world learning can make. Here’s what a few of them had to say about working with the PAST Foundation: I feel this will help to engage students and create connections across subjects and can reach students of all ability levels.” What People Are Saying Across the country, educators, students, and partners are seeing the difference real-world learning can make. Here’s what a few of them had to say about working with the PAST Foundation: This training was excellent and provided extensive resources and support ranging from direct and hands-on to frameworks and conceptual supports.” Explore What’s Possible Want to explore what’s possible? Reach out and let’s build something meaningful together. View All Professional Learning Experiences Contact Us

Explore Virtual Resources that inspire curiosity and creativity. Our Virtual Resources bring STEM to life for teachers, students, and parents. Virtual Resources STEM Learning Anytime, For Anyone Our virtual resources are here to inspire curiosity, creativity, and hands-on learning. Whether you’re a teacher, student, parent, professional, or simply someone who loves to explore, you’ll find tools, ideas, and experiences that bring STEM to life. Explore Our Offerings Learning Unboxed Hosted by PAST Founder and CEO Annalies Corbin, this podcast dives into the future of learning with voices from education, business, and industry. Episodes explore the innovations shaping how we teach, learn, and lead. Listen to the Podcast Online Courses From systems thinking to STEM integration, our self-paced online courses are a great entry point for educators seeking to transform their practice. Each course is designed with real-world application and immediate classroom impact in mind. Browse Online Courses STEM Activities at Home Looking for engaging, budget-friendly STEM challenges? Our collection of downloadable activities is designed for students of all ages to explore science, engineering, and design thinking from home or the classroom. Browse STEM Activities STEM Streaming STEMStreaming brings you hands-on activities to try at home, virtual learning experiences for the classroom, and webinars for educators looking to grow their practice. Browse activities, watch past sessions, or explore our archive of STEM strategies. Explore STEMStreaming Stay in the Loop Sign up for our newsletter to get new STEM activities, course updates, and podcast episodes sent straight to your inbox. Join Our Email List

Dive into scalable models and real-world success stories from our student STEM programs. Problem-Based Learning Publications GROWING AMERICA: TRANSDISCIPLINARY PROJECT-BASED LEARNING ACTIVITIES Work on Problems » Projects » Products: Designing Transdisciplinary Problem-Based Learning began over ten years ago, and has undergone a process of trial, experimentation, and on-going field-testing. It is a process-driven workbook, intended to provide hands-on templates for designing and implementing 21st century education. The step-by step process outlined is designed to help instructors and community partners build robust and sustainable environments that engage and excite the learning team of students and teachers. Read More FORENSICS IN THE CLASSROOM JOURNAL Field school journal to accompany Forensics in the Classroom Program. Read More PROBLEMS > PROJECTS > PRODUCTS: DESIGNING TRANSDISCIPLINARY PROBLEM-BASED LEARNING Work on Problems » Projects » Products: Designing Transdisciplinary Problem-Based Learning began over ten years ago, and has undergone a process of trial, experimentation, and on-going field-testing. It is a process-driven workbook, intended to provide hands-on templates for designing and implementing 21st century education. The step-by step process outlined is designed to help instructors and community partners build robust and sustainable environments that engage and excite the learning team of students and teachers. Read More FORENSICS IN THE CLASSROOM PROGRAM Originally a field study program created through many partnerships with experts in each field, this educational program walks students and teachers through the steps of forensic science including: investigating a crime scene, fingerprints, crime scene excavation, and blood spatter. Powerpoint slides are included with each subject, including a DNA slideshow. Read More CAVING: THE WEB OF LIFE The goal of Caving: The Web of Life is to utilize hands-on education and emphasize research outside of the classroom. Over the course of the two-year build-out of the program, students from across Ohio participated in perfecting the activities and outcomes by providing feedback. The activities can be modified to take place in any environment. Read More GARBOLOGY Garbology is a hands-on minds-on educational program that explores global issues of waste management involving students in understanding what we really waste today and what are some alternatives for managing waste, today and tomorrow. This program includes three presentations and a Garbage Sort Activity that are aligned with the Ohio Content Standards and Benchmarks. The presentations and interviews with Dr. William Rathje, founder of the Garbage Project, are a great way to get students engaged and involved. Read More

Javier Cruz-Ginez Multimedia Coordinator Javier is a filmmaker based in Columbus, Ohio, and the Multimedia Coordinator at The PAST Foundation. Also known as the Digital Auteur at The PAST Foundation, Javier uses his skills in digital media to share PAST mission and vision with the world. Javier enjoys watching films, music, and photography in his free time. Outside of PAST, Javier, with his friend's help, created “Demise Creative ” to foster creative collaboration and promote local artists of different forms, emphasizing social justice. Demise Creative is a creative collective that uses film to document and highlight artists creating a difference in the Columbus, Ohio community. Email: jcruz@pastfoundation.org | Website: https://jcgfilms.com/

Refund Policy PAST Foundation Refund Policy After making payment for your PAST Summer Experience, if you decide to cancel for any reason, we will refund your payment in accordance with the following schedule and conditions. By providing payment to us, you acknowledge and agree to these terms. For cancellation requests received prior to March 31, 2026, we will refund 90% of your payment. For cancellation requests received between April 1, 2026 and May 15, 2026, we will refund 50% of your payment. After May 15, 2026, no refunds will be given. How to Request a Cancellation within the Timeline Above: You may email us your refund request at programs@pastfoundation.org and our response within 48 hours will be confirmation of receipt of your email. (If you do not hear from us, then we have not received your request). All requests must be in writing via email (not by phone or by informing a PAST staff member). Refunds will not be given: If a child is asked to leave the program due to behavioral issues, including a child not following rules or instructions from PAST staff. If a child missed a day or more of camp, or dropped out of camp early. If a family decides they no longer wish to participate in the program for any reason. Extraordinary Circumstance: Exception to the above policy: Refunds may be considered in cases where a registrant is unable to attend the event or program due to a family emergency or other extraordinary circumstance. In such situations, please contact PAST by email to share the details of your situation. PAST management will review and respond via email. If you have any questions contact us via email at purchasing@pastfoundation.org .

Advanced CTE and Credentials Matter for Fab Fundamentals The competencies and skills in the Embedded Systems and SMART Design course are strongly aligned with the frameworks and principles of Advanced CTE and Credentials Matter, particularly in areas related to digital technology, electronics, and engineering within Career Technical Education (CTE) pathways. careertech.org These competencies, performance indicators, and skills are a strong match for the expectations and standards established by Advanced CTE for high-quality Career Technical Education programs in electronics and engineering. Advanced CTE Career Cluster Alignment PCB Design & Fabrication, Embedded Systems Programming, and Input/Output Device Integration directly correspond to skill sets listed within the Science, Technology, Engineering & Mathematics (STEM) and Digital Technology Career Clusters in the Advanced CTE National Career Clusters Framework. careertech.org . Workflow Analysis & Troubleshooting and Circuit Debugging and Optimization reflect best practices for problem solving, critical thinking, and technical skill proficiency required for CTE students in engineering and electronics pathways. careertech.org Technical Documentation & Reflection aligns with Advanced CTE’s emphasis on effective communication, information management, and continual learning—core elements for career-ready preparation. careertech.org Performance Indicators within Advanced CTE Creating and fabricating a functional PCB with CAM workflows is showcased in Advanced CTE standards as an applied competency for high school and postsecondary students pursuing electronics, robotics, and engineering pathways. education.ohio.gov Embedded programming and sensor/actuator integration support Advanced CTE’s focus on hands-on, industry-driven learning experiences in automation, mechatronics, and advanced manufacturing. careertech.org Generating design documentation is a recognized best practice and required skill in the curriculum frameworks and technical standards for electronics and engineering career clusters. education.ohio.gov Skills Learned and Advanced CTE Objectives Electrical CAD, PCB Design, 3D modeling, and documentation are key proficiencies expected within Advanced CTE pathways, supporting rigorous technical standards and project-based learning. education.ohio.gov Microcontroller integration, programming, debugging, protocol literacy, and troubleshooting are fundamental components cited in Advanced CTE frameworks as essential outcomes for students prepared for industry credentials and employment. careertech.org Data sheet literacy, programming environments (e.g., Arduino IDE, MicroPython), and applied system testing are emphasized as part of the real-world technical skills in CTE engineering and electronics pathways. careertech.org These program features ensure students master the technical, problem-solving, and documentation skills required by Advanced CTE for electronics and digital technology fields, preparing learners for both postsecondary studies and in-demand STEM careers. careertech.org Credentials Matter These features reflect the priorities of Credentials Matter: using high-quality, performance-based education to help students attain credentials that are relevant, employer-recognized, and pivotal for entry into and advancement within lab electronics, automation, and digital manufacturing careers. In summary, the described curriculum and skills closely match the goals and frameworks of Advanced CTE and Credentials Matter by supporting career-ready practices, technical proficiency, and credential attainment for high-demand roles in modern electronics, automation, and manufacturing environments Credentials Matter Alignment PCB Design & Fabrication and Embedded Systems Programming position learners to earn credentials like IPC Electronics Assembly, Electronics Technician, Robotics Technician, and other certificates listed as in-demand for electronics careers, reflecting Credentials Matter’s goal of matching education with workforce needs. ( learnworkecosystemlibrary ) Input/Output Device Integration, Workflow Analysis & Troubleshooting, and Circuit Debugging prepare students for real-world certifications in manufacturing and automation—where hands-on troubleshooting and integration skills are required by employers in high-skill sectors. ( credentialsmatter.org ) Technical Documentation & Reflection ensures students can meet documentation and communication standards necessary for many manufacturing credentials and are able to demonstrate comprehensive understanding and quality assurance in their work. ( excelined.org ) Performance Indicators within Credentials Matter Creating and fabricating functional PCBs and implementing embedded programming map directly to performance-based credentials valued in national datasets and by major manufacturers, identified as aligning with actual job profiles. ( credentialsmatter.org ) Integration of sensors, actuators, and digital documentation references the employer-valued skill clusters tracked by Credentials Matter to measure credential supply against workforce demand. learnworkecosystemlibrary Skills Learned and Credential Attainment Electrical CAD, EDA, PCB design, and system integration prepare students for certifications such as IPC and NIMS—credentials tracked by Credentials Matter and recognized by employers for hiring and promotion decisions. ( electronics.org ) Microcontroller programming, debugging, and protocol skills target the competencies required for industry credentials specifically cited in manufacturing and electronics career clusters. ( excelined.org ) Data sheet literacy, programming environment proficiency (Arduino IDE, MicroPython, etc.), and formal documentation skills support employability outcomes and credential attainment, closing the gap between high school preparation and real-world technician and engineering roles. ( learnworkecosystemlibrary )

Explore STEM Activities at Home for hands-on learning! Discover student favorites and connect with us to solve real-world challenges today! STEM Activities at Home STEM Learning Anytime, For Anyone Looking for fun and accessible ways to bring STEM into your home, classroom, or community program? Our free collection of hands-on activities invites learners of all ages to solve real-world challenges through design thinking, creativity, and problem-solving. View All Activities What’s Included Downloadable Challenge Sheets for K–12 students No-cost materials and minimal prep required Topics range from engineering and biology to climate science and design Tied to real-world scenarios that spark imagination Some Student Favorites Blooming Flower Create a paper flower with special geometry that will allow for it to open with contact to water. Download Challenge Sheet Gliders Not all aircraft use propulsion to achieve sustained flight. Gliders rely on design and weather to achieve lasting flight. Build your own glider. Download Challenge Sheet Kaleidoscopes Did you know that the word kaleidoscope comes from Greek words meaning {beautiful form to see?} How will you create your kaleidoscope to create color reflections? Download Challenge Sheet Rain Cloud Exploration Spring is here and that means rain! Rain falls from the clouds, but how and why does this happen? Explore clouds and rain! Download Challenge Sheet See it in Action Blooming Flowers Design Challenge STEM Design Challenge and Activity that invites learners to explore how water and life work together through capillary action, and to question where they see this happening every day. See it in Action Glider Design Challenge This design challenge explores the principles of flight, and provides a nice introduction to design thinking and the design cycle. The experiment covers mechanics, aerodynamics, physics, and simple calculus. See it in Action Stained Glass Design Challenge Create a stained glass panel that is both interesting and and structurally sound and tells a story without using words. See it in Action Kaleidoscope Mini Challenge Kaleidoscope is Greek for "beautiful form to see". In this Mini Challenge we show you how to play with light and shape using simple tools and methods. This challenge is appropriate for younger and older kids. See it in Action Bottle Flower Mini Challenge Applied STEM with simple plastic bottles, markers, scissors, pipe cleaners or string, and your own imagination! Make a bottle flower today! All Activities Alien Organism You must design an organism that can live in a harsh Mars environment. Download Challenge Sheet Beam/Bird Feeder You must design a bird feeder for your backyard and you must design a beam to hold it away from your house where you will mount it. Download Challenge Sheet Blooming Flower Create a paper flower with special geometry that will allow for it to open with contact to water. Download Challenge Sheet Board Games You must package three marbles into each game from a large box of about 100 marbles, a mechanism designed to separate those marbles into groups of three and a container to hold the marbles within the board game box. Download Challenge Sheet Build a Bridge This Design Challenge asks that you build a bridge using the least amount of materials to hold the maximum amount of weight. Download Challenge Sheet Build a Bug This activity allows you to build a crawling or flying insect from a simple plastic bottle. Download Challenge Sheet Build a Flower This activity allows you to build a single flower or a ring of flowers from a simple plastic bottle. Download Challenge Sheet Catapult Design This Design Challenge allows you to create a table top or ground based catapult from simple materials. Download Challenge Sheet Climate Change The city is concerned that global warming can lead to more precipitation and wonder what the ramifications could be and how to prepare. They hire you, an environmental scientist working as a consultant, to predict damages to the cities’ infrastructure and safety. Download Challenge Sheet Create a Zoo Art This simple and fun activity allows kids to create a zoo from paper cut outs. Make it fun by asking kids to guess at foods, habitats and dangers in their environment. Download Challenge Sheet Energy Efficient Homes American Electric Power Company and Columbia Gas of Ohio have requested a design for an eco-friendly house that uses multiple sources of renewable energy. Download Challenge Sheet Erosion You will be investigating the effect erosion can have on South Dakota to mitigate the dangers and problems it may cause. Download Challenge Sheet Evolution of Tech You are a researcher on a quest to find the most impactful invention from the Industrial Revolution Era and then to transform it into a futuristic wonder. Choose one invention of technology you could not do without from the era. Download Challenge Sheet Extreme Weather Vehicles The challenge for you is to design a vehicle that will provide protection AND relay important information about the weather. Download Challenge Sheet Germs and Soap You must create a tool to demonstrate why soap and water are such a powerful weapon against this deadly COVID19 pandemic. Download Challenge Sheet Gliders Not all aircraft use propulsion to achieve sustained flight. Gliders rely on design and weather to achieve lasting flight. Build your own glider. Download Challenge Sheet Golf Business Improvement Attendance has been down at a local golf club due to inability to play during inclement weather or pandemic. Time commitment is also a hindrance. Your firm has been tasked with developing a business plan to increase attendance. Download Challenge Sheet Kaleidoscopes Did you know that the word kaleidoscope comes from Greek words meaning {beautiful form to see?} How will you create your kaleidoscope to create color reflections? Download Challenge Sheet Lasagna Garden An introduction to compost and composting places. Learners will build a garden bed or a container garden capable of sustaining and growing life. Download Challenge Sheet Moldy Bread Infection Infection rates for bacterial and viral illnesses need to be measured and documented. The location of bacteria in your home needs to be measured and located. Download Challenge Sheet Neutral Buoyancy BOEM is interested in further developing their underwater monitoring program and they need your help designing the optimal ROV (remote operating vehicle) to collect vital environmental data at specific ocean depths. Download Challenge Sheet Paper Airplanes A small Alaskan town has mail and groceries delivered weekly by small planes. Depending on the wind speed and direction there are two different ways the airplanes approach the small airstrip and land. One approach is straight and simple. The other requires the pilot to turn 90 degrees during approach then land quickly. Download Challenge Sheet Pyramid Cup Scientists often need to move things that cannot be touched (think boiling water, radioactive material, or deadly viruses.) Download Challenge Sheet Rain Cloud Exploration Spring is here and that means rain! Rain falls from the clouds, but how and why does this happen? Explore clouds and rain! Download Challenge Sheet Recycled Art You must carefully choose your parts. Take notes on what you choose and record the disassembly of every item, in case you have to reassemble it. Your only tools are outlined below. Be creative, be clever and good luck! Download Challenge Sheet Sail Cars Make a working, rolling car powered by the wind. Download Challenge Sheet Seed Bombs The gardener has seeds that need to be preserved in a SEED Bomb. The bomb needs to maintain the virility of the seed while being stored to be used at a future time. The seeds must be able to be stored in room temperature surroundings without germinating. Download Challenge Sheet Spaghetti Bridge Alaska Department of Transportation intends to build new bridges in several locations in the next few years and they need your help to design bridges that are aesthetically interesting, safe and functional. The span of the bridges will variety by location. Download Challenge Sheet Stained Glass Create a stained glass panel that is both interesting and structurally sound and tells a story without using words. Download Challenge Sheet Stomp Rockets Create a rocket from a 2 liter bottle, some simple connections and duct tape. Challenge yourself to launch the rocket as high and far as you can. Download Challenge Sheet Surviving the Wild A tour company has contracted with you to develop travel brochures for clients interested in going on extreme adventure trips through the world. The clientele usually knows very little about the biome they are about to visit. They will be dropped off via helicopter with only a small backpack filled with supplies. Download Challenge Sheet The Design Cycle All activities are built using PAST’s Design Cycle model. This cycle encourages iterative learning and helps students take ownership of the process. Powered by Partnerships These STEM Activities are made possible thanks to generous support from our community and industry partners. Connect with Us If you need help with implementing and using these Design Challenges or moving your content digitally — we are still here! We are happy to help! Donate to PAST Foundation Become a Partner

Partner with PAST to support impactful learning. Discover ways to collaborate and hear what our partners are saying. Partner with PAST today! Partner with PAST Linking Learning to Life—Together At PAST, we believe learning is most powerful when it connects to the real world. That connection is only possible because of partners who share our vision. From business and industry leaders to foundations and community organizations, our partners help us make learning more relevant, accessible, and impactful for students everywhere. Why Partner with PAST? We work at the intersection of education, business, and community. Our mission to design and deliver experiences that link learning to life thrives when shared with others who believe in innovation, equity, and long-term impact. Whether you’re a corporate leader, foundation, entrepreneur, or community advocate, your partnership supports systems that prepare students for the future and strengthen communities today. Ways to Support Our Work There’s more than one way to make an impact. We welcome a wide range of involvement, depending on your goals, capacity, and vision. Financial Contributions In-Kind Donations Volunteering Time & Expertise Strategic Partnerships We’re always open to new ideas and creative approaches. Let’s talk about how we can work together. Work With Us Donate to PAST Working with PAST has been one of the most rewarding partnerships we’ve ever had. Their ability to bring innovation and purpose to education is unmatched.” — Corporate Partner, STEM Industry Leader What Our Partners Are Saying The PAST Foundation helped us connect our mission with meaningful educational outcomes. We weren’t just writing a check — we were investing in real-world change.” — Foundation Program Officer What Our Partners Are Saying I’ve never seen students more engaged. PAST’s approach to learning is exactly what our future workforce needs.” — Local Business Leader What Our Partners Are Saying Our Sponsors & Donors We are grateful for the generous support of our current partners and sponsors. Want to connect your mission to something bigger? Let’s explore how we can align your values with tangible outcomes in education, equity, and workforce readiness. Join Our Sponsor Network

Discover the PAST Innovation Fab Lab, a makerspace where big ideas become reality. Meet our instructors and explore endless possibilities. Fabrication & Systems Credentialing Pathway Explore Pathways What Is the Fab Lab? The PAST Innovation Fab Lab is a fully equipped, MIT-aligned fabrication lab and makerspace designed to turn big ideas into tangible realities. As a certified MIT Fab Academy Node , we offer one of the few opportunities in the U.S. to earn global credentials through the Fab Academy course. From students and educators to entrepreneurs and artists, our lab is a place where learning, design, and innovation converge. Choose Your Pathway Fabrication & Design Fundamentals Anticipated Time to Credential: 60 hours | Cost Estimate: $875 This entry-level credential introduces learners to the core tools and mindsets of digital fabrication. Students gain foundational skills in 2D/3D design, 3D printing, and scanning, while building project management and documentation habits essential for industry readiness. Explore Embedded Electronics & SMART Design Anticipated Time to Credential: 60 hours | Cost Estimate: $875 Building on foundational skills, this credential introduces learners to intelligent systems. Students design, fabricate, and program their own electronic devices while documenting workflows and debugging challenges in real-time. Explore Advanced Fabrication & Systems Integration Anticipated Time to Credential: 60 hours | Cost Estimate: $875 This capstone credential challenges students to design and build advanced, networked, and mechanical systems that showcase the integration of multiple digital fabrication competencies. It emphasizes teamwork, iterative design, and full-system integration. Explore What Makes Us Unique? MIT Fab Academy Node We are one of the only U.S. hosts of the world-renowned Fab Academy program—an intensive, project-based course in digital fabrication led by Neil Gershenfeld and the MIT Center for Bits and Atoms. Full-Spectrum Fab + Maker Tools Our lab meets MIT’s global standards and includes professional-grade fabrication equipment for digital and industrial prototyping. We support everything from student research to commercial product development. Open to the Community We collaborate with schools, creatives, nonprofits, and businesses to support innovation across Central Ohio. If you’ve got a bold idea, we’ve got the tools to help you make it. Training & Credentialing We offer teacher training and Industry-Recognized Credentials (IRCs) aligned to fabrication and advanced manufacturing careers. What’s Inside the Lab Advanced Fabrication Zone Ideal for large-scale or high-power work CNC Router Industrial Woodworking Tools Plasma Cutter Laser Cutter Full-Spectrum Fab + Maker Tools Designed for detail-oriented, small-scale projects 3D Printers (FDM & Resin) Vinyl Cutter Embroidery Machine Direct-to-Garment Printer Fab Academy: Earn a Global Credential The Fab Academy is a 5-month course in digital fabrication that blends hands-on skill-building with global mentorship. Students master skills in: 2D/3D design Electronics Programming CNC machining Project development Interested in enrolling or partnering with us to bring Fab Academy access to your school or community? Learn More Interested in Partnering or Visiting? Our lab is a place for experimentation, learning, and invention, where users can play, create, mentor, and innovate. Whether you're working on a personal project, a startup idea, or an educational assignment, our Fab Lab provides the tools and support to make almost anything imaginable. For more information on accessing our Fab Lab, participating in workshops, or reserving equipment, please reach out! Contact Us Powered by Our Partners