Search Results

Explore Workforce Development at PAST Foundation. Discover key components to power up your potential with our Workforce Development programs. Workforce Development Preparing Students—and Educators—for the Future of Work At PAST Foundation, we offer a range of opportunities for Students, Educators, Administrators, and Community Partners through our Workforce Development Programs. These initiatives directly address the need for enhanced STEM educational experiences beyond the classroom, foster a more diverse STEM pipeline, and prepare a workforce ready for future challenges. Our workforce development initiatives are driven by a commitment to empower educators, students, and communities. By fostering a culture of innovation, collaboration, and lifelong learning, PAST prepares the workforce of tomorrow to excel in an ever-evolving world. What We Offer 01 For Students Hands-on learning, mentorship, and industry credentials that build confidence and open doors. Explore 02 For Educators Credentialed training, coaching, and classroom-ready tools to prepare students for STEM careers. Explore 03 For Industry & Community Partners Strategic partnerships that invest in students and meet future workforce needs. Explore “Power Up Your Potential” This initiative ignites students’ passion for STEM careers and equips them with technical competencies and essential soft skills to thrive in the workforce. Students explore STEM disciplines, collaborate with industry professionals, and solve real-world challenges. The program emphasizes collaboration and problem-solving. By partnering closely with industry leaders and mentors, students gain invaluable insights and experiences that shape their future pathways. 500+ Students Participated 850+ Industry Certifications Key Components to Power Up Your Potential Career Exploration & Awareness Real-world problem-solving introduces students to diverse STEM paths. Integration: Student agency and cultural relevance make exploration personal and purposeful. Problem-Based Learning Applying STEM principles to solve real-world problems, fostering critical thinking and creativity. Integration: Learning is grounded in real issues that matter to students and their communities. Industry Partnerships Collaborating with 500+ business and industry partners to provide mentorship, internships, and job shadowing opportunities. Integration: Partnerships reflect transdisciplinary learning and real workforce needs. Immersive Experiences Students combine virtual and hands-on learning in engaging, memorable ways. Integration: Use gamification and culturally relevant pedagogy, such as Hip-hop culture, to make immersive experiences more relatable and engaging. Future-Focused Skill Development From early awareness to internships, students build essential skills at every stage. Integration: Mastery-based learning supports growth mindset and real competency. Credentials That Matter Students earn industry-recognized certifications that validate their knowledge. Integration: Use a mastery-based approach to credentialing, ensuring students demonstrate true understanding and capability. Support Systems Mentoring, coaching, and tutoring help remove academic and personal barriers. Integration: Supportive environments foster agency and confidence. Community Impact Student-led passion projects and community service to apply learning in meaningful ways. Integration: Use place-based education and community partnerships to make learning relevant and impactful for students and their communities. For Educators Workforce Credential Training STEM Educator Workforce Collaborative We equip teachers with the tools, industry-recognized credentials (IRCs), and coaching to deliver impactful, culturally relevant STEM instruction. Program Highlights: 375+ educators trained across 32 counties Mastery-based credentialing and career-aligned training Authentic, project-based learning approaches Impacting Over 125,000+ Students Train with Us For Partners Build the Workforce of Tomorrow We’ve partnered with 500+ industry leaders to co-create programs that reflect the needs of today’s employers and tomorrow’s innovators. These partnerships enhance education and contribute positively to the community by bridging the gap between education and career opportunities. Students gain skills, knowledge, and networks vital for success in today's workforce. How You Can Get Involved: Host interns or job shadowing opportunities Serve as a project mentor Support program development or credential access Launch a custom workforce initiative with PAST Learn more about Corporate Social Responsibility or contact us. Learn More Contact Us Why It Matters Our Workforce Development programs address local workforce gaps by Promoting equity and access to high-quality STEM learning Supporting skill development tied to in-demand jobs Creating reciprocal pipelines between education and industry Creating reciprocal pipelines between education and industry

Advanced CTE and Credentials Matter for Fab Fundamentals The competencies, performance indicators, and skills found in the Advanced Fabrication and Systems Integration course closely align with the principles and structures of Advanced CTE, especially within the STEM, Engineering & Technology, and Manufacturing Career Clusters. Alignment with Advanced CTE Career Clusters Advanced Molding & Casting and Mechanical Machine Design are reflected in standards requiring proficiency in engineering processes, the use of fabrication tools, and mastery of CAD and digital manufacturing technologies. Networking & Communication Protocols and System Integration (Digital + Physical + Code) align with Advanced CTE’s emphasis on embedded systems, electronics, mechatronics, and integration of hardware/software solutions for smart systems. Capstone Project Execution and Industry Portfolio Development directly support the practice of rigorous project-based learning, professional documentation, and portfolio assessment, which are core to quality Advanced CTE programs. Performance Indicators and CTE Benchmarks Designing, programming, and networking fabricated components, developing functional mechanical machines, and creating integrated smart systems are precisely the outcomes sought in engineering and manufacturing pathways. Project management and digital documentation are essential technical and employability skills highlighted across CTE standards—students learn to plan, organize, record, and communicate complex design and fabrication workflows. Demonstrating integration and functionality through a final capstone project reflects best practice in Advanced CTE for demonstrating cumulative proficiency and real-world readiness. Advanced CTE Skills Alignment Hardware/software interfacing, network design, protocol testing, node addressing, and troubleshooting are advanced competencies cited as essentials in CTE standards for electronics, mechatronics, and information technology pathways. Mechanical machine design, iterative prototyping, continuous improvement, and technical problem solving mirror Advanced CTE’s requirements for applied engineering, technical leadership, and design-for-manufacturing. Project management, custom tool creation, digital fabrication, and documentation encompass the cross-cutting skills emphasized in CTE quality program standards. Competencies in 2D/3D modeling, fabrication process selection, data analysis, system prototyping, and innovation support both technical mastery and career readiness as described in Advanced CTE frameworks. Credentials Matter The competencies, performance indicators, and skills found in the Advanced Fabrication and Systems Integration course are well aligned with the goals of Credentials Matter, as they directly support student achievement of credentials valued by employers in manufacturing, engineering, and digital technology fields. In summary, the learning outcomes found in the Advanced Fabrication and Systems Integration course prepare students for valued, employer-recognized credentials and directly support the goals of Credentials Matter: increasing the value and market relevance of student attainment in advanced manufacturing, engineering, and digital technology fields. Alignment with Industry-Recognized Credentials Advanced molding, casting, and mechanical machine design prepare students for credentials like Certified Manufacturing Technician, Autodesk Certified Associate in CAD for Mechanical Design, CSWA (SOLIDWORKS), and machinist certificates—credentials tracked for labor market alignment by Credentials Matter. Networking & communication protocols, system integration, and hardware/software interfacing align with electronics, mechatronics, and engineering credentials such as IPC Electronics Assembly, Robotics Technician, and various IT/networking certificates. Capstone project execution, documentation, and portfolio development meet the requirements of many certificate and credential assessments, which prioritize the demonstration of comprehensive, hands-on project management and technical documentation abilities for employment and promotion. Performance and Credential Attainment Fabricating components and integrated machines demonstrates the “applied skills” required by many industry credentials, which are listed in Credentials Matter databases as being in high demand among employers and often required in job postings. Digital project documentation, troubleshooting, and systematic design reviews support skills validation for both entry- and advanced-level credentials, building the habits and work products necessary for credentialing exams and portfolios. Capstone projects that integrate and document real-world solutions closely match what national employers and credentialing bodies demand when evaluating job candidates and awarding professional certifications. Skills & Labor Market Alignment Mastery in CAD, CNC, additive/subtractive processes, and prototyping supports job readiness in advanced manufacturing and directly qualifies students for industry-recognized CAD, production, and design credentials that Credentials Matter identifies as closing skills gaps in the workforce. Project management, technical problem solving, process improvement, and innovation are reflected in stackable microcredentials that allow for career advancement and flexible specialization, as promoted in industry-education partnerships and microcredential reports. Having skills documented in portfolios, such as those created for capstone projects, both improves students’ competitiveness for high-skill jobs and aligns with employer preferences for validated, credentialed mastery demonstrated in actual work products.

Logan St Hilaire Portable Innovation Lab Coordinator Logan St Hilaire is a Haitian-St. Lucian-American artist and a student at The Ohio State University, studying Moving-Image Production. Focus on experimental filmmaking, documentary, and music video direction. Work explores Black identity in the Midwest through video and photography. Themes include marginalization, displacement, and systemic erasure. View his work: https://lsthilaire.com/

Kelleigh Huey-Toth STEM Experience Instructor Kelleigh Huey is a Student Experience Instructor at the PAST Foundation and known as the Academic Alchemist! Kelleigh started her work with PAST in 2022 as a Summer Experience Instructor. Throughout her education, Kelleigh found she had an interest and a passion for innovation and a love for all things STEM. This, combined with her love of kids and learning, led her to the PAST Foundation, where she sought to make a difference in STEM education. In her position, she hopes to spread her passion for STEM topics and be an inspiration and a role-model for the young people she leads. In her free time, Kelleigh enjoys gardening and learning more about agriculture and caring for the environment, crafting, and spending time with her friends and family. Some of her favorite activities include painting, making blankets, playing with her dogs, and watching movies. Kelleigh pursued her love of STEM in her college studies and received a B.S. in Biology with a minor in chemistry. She attained her degree from The Ohio State University in 2022 and plans to continue learning in the future by pursuing a Master’s Degree in Environmental Science.

Discover transformative Professional Learning Experiences designed for educators. Explore our programs for impactful professional growth today! Professional Learning Experiences Empowering Educators, Leaders & Professionals to Transform Learning We believe educators and professionals deserve more than just training, they deserve transformation. That’s why we design professional learning experiences that are collaborative, customizable, and rooted in solving real-world problems. Whether you’re an educator, school leader, or industry partner, our programs equip you to lead meaningful change. From immersive PD to online courses, mentorship development to system-wide coaching, we help professionals rethink how learning happens, so they can inspire the next generation. Explore Our Programs Online Courses Flexible, accessible, and designed with your goals in mind. Explore foundational theory, design, and practice in topics ranging from STEM integration to systems thinking. Learn More Immersive Professional Development Experience deep, hands-on learning alongside students and content experts. These topic-driven, hybrid sessions include virtual preparation followed by in-person collaboration and innovation. Learn More Central Ohio STEM Action Center Connecting educators, community partners, and STEM leaders to accelerate regional innovation. As the Central Ohio Hub of the Ohio STEM Learning Network, we support collaboration, share resources, and scale impactful STEM programs across the region. Learn More On-Site Professional Development We partner directly with schools, districts, and organizations to design and deliver tailored training that aligns community goals with instructional strategies. Learn More Frequently Asked Questions Who can participate in PAST’s professional learning programs? Our offerings are designed for K–12 educators, administrators, instructional coaches, and industry professionals involved in education or workforce development. How are programs delivered? We offer a mix of formats—online courses, in-person workshops, and hybrid experiences. Each one is tailored to your needs and learning goals. Can we bring PAST professional learning to our district or organization? Absolutely. We specialize in custom-designed engagements that align with your goals. Start by reaching out through the contact form below. What topics are covered in immersive professional development? Topics change regularly and are always aligned with real-world challenges. Past sessions have included robotics, Minecraft in education, Art & STEM, agricultural engineering, and more. Is mentorship training only for teachers? Not at all! Our mentorship course is ideal for any professional working with students—industry mentors, volunteers, or after-school providers. Stay Connected Whether you're looking for coaching, collaboration, or curriculum support, we’re here to help you bring learning to life. Contact Us View Upcoming Events Join Our Newsletter Volunteer With Us

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/

Annalise Williams Administrative Assistant & HR Representative Annalise serves as the Administrative Assistant and HR Representative with the PAST Foundation. Her love for education and passion for people led her to join PAST in 2024. Annalise uses her skills in organization, efficiency, and communication to keep things running behind the scenes. She earned her degree in Theatre and Public Speaking Education in 2021 and has been working in different educational capacities ever since. She is very excited to be a part of the PAST team. When she’s not in the office, Annalise enjoys drinking coffee with friends, baking delicious treats, and curling up with a good book.

Discover the Ohio Scholastic Esports Collaborative, a statewide initiative fostering esports growth in Ohio. Join the Ohio Scholastic Esports Collaborative today! Ohio Scholastic Esports Collaborative Linking passion to purpose through competitive, career-connected play The Ohio Scholastic Esports Collaborative (OhioSEC) is a statewide initiative powered by a partnership between the PAST Foundation, Esports Ohio, the North America Scholastic Esports Federation (NASEF), and the Samueli Foundation. Together, we’re helping schools across Ohio integrate scholastic Esports into classrooms, after-school programs, and career pathways. This work connects students’ passion for gaming to opportunities in technology, media, and entrepreneurship—building essential skills like communication, collaboration, and creative problem-solving along the way. Why Esports? Esports is more than play. It’s a platform. Esports clubs are inclusive by nature. Players, content creators, shoutcasters, graphic designers, coders, and marketers all play a vital role in shaping a team’s success. Together, they learn what it means to think strategically, act responsibly, and work as a team. Building community and a sense of belonging Developing leadership and career skills in real-world roles Encouraging collaboration across student interests and abilities Connecting games to future goals, including media, IT, marketing, and event production About Our Partners Esports Ohio Esports Ohio is a teacher-founded, free-to-join nonprofit that provides a competitive league and resources to help schools launch and manage Esports teams. Their mission is to empower students by providing educators with the support needed to build thriving Esports communities in schools. Learn more at www.esportsohio.org. North America Scholastic Esports Federation (NASEF) NASEF is a nonprofit organization using Esports to help students develop skills for success in school and life. Their mission is to ensure all students—regardless of background—can access high-quality Esports programs grounded in learning, opportunity, diversity, and respect. Learn more at www.esportsfed.org. Start an Esports Club at Your School Access 9th Grade Curriculums Access 10th Grade Curriculums Access 11th Grade Curriculums Access 12th Grade Curriculums View the Esports Standards Note: Curriculum materials linked above are created and maintained by NASEF. PAST Foundation does not control this content. All rights reserved by NASEF. Esports in Action Lower Cost, Higher Value Students graduate high school with credentials and up to 14 college credits—reducing the total cost of a college degree. College-Ready and Career-Certified Students are certified for entry-level positions in medical laboratories, providing income and experience that enhance future opportunities. Equity-Focused Designed to be inclusive and accessible, the program supports students from all backgrounds in pursuing careers in healthcare. Innovation in Action The Microschool acts as a research and development model for new ways to teach, mentor, and prepare students for medical careers. Want to Learn More? The PAST Foundation is proud to support schools and partners interested in launching or expanding Esports programs. If your school is ready to take the next step, we’re here to help. Explore Student Experiences Contact Us