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- Pam Andrews | PAST Foundation
Pam Andrews Copyeditor Pam’s desire to work in an environment where people are making a difference in education brought her to the PAST foundation. Her twelve years as an educational advocate for families of special needs children highlighted the need for embracing a diverse approach in the classroom. Her fifteen years of administrative experience in communications, data and office management give her the skills to work closely with PAST’s President & CEO and with their Board of Trustees. Pam received her education at The Ohio State University and Hope College in Michigan. Email: pandrews@pastfoundation.org | LinkedIN: @Pam Andrews
- Kathy D. Wright, EMBA, M.Ed. | PAST Foundation
Kathy D. Wright, EMBA, M.Ed. Director of Educator Experiences Kathy is a 26 year veteran educator of Cincinnati Public Schools where she served as a science educator, program facilitator, instructional coach and administrator. Kathy now works as an education, culture and leadership consultant and works with organizations to develop innovative practices that lead to extraordinary outcomes. Kathy is also the former Division Director of Multicultural/Equity in Science Education for the National Science Teachers Association Kathy has Bachelor degrees in Biology and Secondary Science Education, an Executive MBA from Howard University, and a Master’s in Curriculum and Instruction Secondary Science Education from the University of Cincinnati. Email: kwright@pastfoundation.org
- Connect | PAST Foundation
Connect with us to link learning to life. Discover our programs and collaboration opportunities. Reach out to connect and get involved today! Connect Let’s Link Learning to Life—Together Have a question? Want to collaborate? Curious about our programs or how to get involved? We’d love to hear from you! You can reach us using the contact form below, or connect directly by phone, email, or mail. Not sure who to contact? You might find the answer in our Frequently Asked Questions Contact Information PAST Innovation Lab 1003 Kinnear Road Columbus, Ohio 43212 614-340-1208 info@pastfoundation.org
- Ashley Price | PAST Foundation
Ashley Price Director of Student Experiences Ashley first joined PAST as part of the program staff at the Kelleys Island Field School in 2014. She is now part of the Student Experience team as the Director of Student Experiences, and is also the lead of the Innovators Club, an after-school program at PAST. Ashley worked as substitute teacher in Columbus for two years before beginning her work at PAST. Ashley’s passion for teaching grew as she learned more about the hands-on experience students could have outside of the classroom, along with problem-based experiences. Her passion for working with students grows with every new classroom, after school programs, summer program or other student program. Along with her passion for teaching Ashley also has a passion for volleyball and has coached for 12 years. She is currently the varsity assistant girls’ volleyball coach at Worthington Kilbourne High School. She spends her free time reading, taking photos, playing volleyball and spending time with her family, husband and dogs Neeson & Maizie. Ashley earned a B.S. in Middle Childhood Education from the University of Rio Grande, and is certified in Science, Mathematics & Reading for grades 4th-9th. She also earned a Graduate Certificate in Information Technology from the University of Cincinnati where she is an adjunct professor. Email: aprice@pastfoundation.org | LinkedIN: @Ashley Price | Website: https://price2a7.wixsite.com/aprice2a7
- Annalies Corbin, Ph.D. | PAST Foundation
Annalies Corbin, Ph.D. Founder & CEO Dr. Annalies Corbin is the Chief Goddess and CEO the PAST Foundation. In 2000, Dr. Corbin founded the PAST Foundation, an organization she envisioned could lead the way to connecting scientific research with classrooms, schools and communities. From 2000-2006, Annalies concurrently led the PAST Foundation and taught at East Carolina University’s Program in Maritime Studies. In 2005, when PAST opened its headquarters in Columbus, Annalies turned all efforts to building the PAST Foundation, assembling a team that could grow the reach and mission of linking learning to life . From a single school partnership in 2006, Annalies has grown PAST’s supporters across the nation, building a reputation for both transforming teaching and learning by understanding tomorrow’s education needs. In 2015, Annalies’ commitment to transforming schools led to the development of PAST Innovation Lab. Connecting directly with teachers through online professional development courses, MAEd program and on-site workshops, PAST Innovation Lab impacts more classrooms and expands learning opportunities for teachers and students everywhere. In 23 years, PAST has impacted more than 2,300,000 students, over 20,000 teachers across 42 states, hosting nearly 20,000 visitors and building hundreds of partnerships. In 2019, Annalies and PAST launched Learning Unboxed. This podcast series highlights industry experts and students talking about the changing needs in the world of teaching, learning and the future of work. Rather than trying to fix a system that is working exactly as it was designed, this series challenges listeners to join the conversation of how we “unbox” education and create innovative solutions to better meet workforce needs. Follow Annalies on social media to join the conversation. Learn more about Annalies Corbin. Annalies Corbin PAST Foundation President & CEO - Chief Goddess 1003 Kinnear Road, Columbus, OH 43212 Email: annalies@pastfoundation.org Twitter: @Annalies.Corbin LinkedIn: Annalies.Corbin #thisispast #learningunboxed
- Workforce Development | PAST Foundation
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
- Alyssa Reder | PAST Foundation
Alyssa Reder Director of OSLN Central OH STEM Hub Alyssa first joined PAST in 2014 as an Administrative Assistant to STEM Programming and Research. In 2021, her role shifted to STEM Program Coordinator where she coordinated, created, and collaborated within all areas of PAST, including work with students, educators and industry. Continuing with her work, Alyssa is now the Director of Project Management at the PAST Foundation. Prior to her start at PAST, Alyssa worked in Administrative and Educational Research Field work at the Crane Center for Early Childhood Research & Policy at the Ohio State University. After receiving her Bachelor’s Degree in Middle Childhood Education, Alyssa decided to pursue the world of educational research. This is where she found her true passion for the transformation of education for administrators, teachers, and students. Alyssa’s work at Ohio State fueled her desire to continue working within the field of development and improvement of educational practices across all grades and subjects. Alyssa received her B.A. in Middle Childhood Education from The Ohio State University. She received her teaching license through Ashland University’s Bachelor’s Plus Program. Email : areder@pastfoundation.org | LinkedIN : @Alyssa Reder
- Javier Cruz-Ginez | PAST Foundation
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/
- Lisa Swartzwelder | PAST Foundation
Lisa Swartzwelder President & Chief Operating Officer Lisa Swartzwelder is the President and Chief Operating Officer of PAST - Pilot of Progress. With a strong foundation in aviation and business, Lisa holds a Bachelor of Arts in Aviation Human Factors from The Ohio State University, where she also earned her Private Pilot certification, as well as a Master of Business Administration from Franklin University. With over thirty years of operations experience in the business aviation industry, Lisa has developed and implemented innovative programs while leading high-performing teams. Her expertise lies in mitigating organizational risk through strategic training, policy development, and fostering a compassionate work culture. Notably, she pioneered the first human service response (Care Team) and mental health first aid programs for FAA Part 91 operations. Her leadership and contributions have earned her recognition through awards from the National Business Aviation Association and the Family Assistance Education and Research Foundation. Lisa is an active advocate for transforming education, intern and mentorships. As an industry partner to PAST, she co-led the creation of Girls Soar , a program designed to introduce Columbus Public middle school girls to aviation through hands-on design challenges. She has also volunteered with PAST's after-school program and served on the PAST Board of Trustees before joining this amazing tribe.
- Lane Fargher Navarro, Ph.D. | PAST Foundation
Lane Fargher Navarro, Ph.D. Director of Research Dr. Lane Fargher Navarro joined the PAST Foundation in 2023 as Director of Research. He comes to PAST after a successful career in academia. Lane received a PhD in anthropology from the University of Wisconsin-Madison in 2004 and completed a postdoc in historical anthropology at Purdue University from 2004 to 2005. He worked as an adjunct instructor at various colleges and universities from 2005-2010, and from 2010-2023 he was a researcher in the Department of Human Ecology at Cinvestav del IPN, in Merida, Mexico. Fargher Navarro’s research experience includes archaeological and historical ecological investigations in Oaxaca, Tlaxcala, and Yucatan, Mexico, as well as SW Ohio; ethnographic and ethnoecological research in Yucatan and Quintana Roo, Mexico; and environmental health and biogeochemistry in Yucatan, Mexico. This research has been funded by the National Science Foundation, National Geographic, FAMSI, Inc., Mexico’s National Council of Science and Technology (Conacyt), and Mexico’s Secretaries of Education and Health. Lane has authored or coauthored a large number of research articles in journals such as Current Anthropology, Journal of Archaeological Science, Frontiers in Political Science, Journal of Anthropological Archaeology , and various book chapters, as well as two books, including Collective Action in the Formation of Premodern States . He is also a member of the Mexican Academy of Sciences. Lane is passionate about promoting an understanding of collective action and its role in good government. Accordingly, he believes that high quality STEM education that cross-cuts social sectors and is available to citizens regardless of geographic origin, gender, sex, ethnicity, and race is fundamental to the maintenance of democracy, individual well-being, and social development. In his free time, Lane enjoys traveling to exotic locals with his fiancée Liliana, spending time with his daughter, Sofía Lillie, bicycling in Columbus’ parks, and playing golf and watching reruns of Seinfeld with his pal Rob (“Serenity Now!!!”).
- Nikki Stancampiano | PAST Foundation
Nikki Stancampiano Director of Workforce Development & Columbus EcosySTEM Nikki joined PAST in 2021, excited to collaborate with an innovative community of educators dedicated to designing meaningful, real-world learning opportunities for youth. She began her educator journey through Teach For America South Carolina, where she taught high school Mathematics and Engineering and discovered her passion for helping students—especially those underrepresented in STEM—unlock their full potential. She later earned her Master’s in Education, further deepening her commitment to educational equity. Nikki also spent a year teaching Engineering and Math at Metro Early College High School in Columbus, Ohio. Throughout her time in the classroom and working with schools, she has coached FIRST Robotics teams and launched the “STEMinists Program,” introducing hundreds of middle school girls in the community to STEM pathways. Driven by a commitment to equity and global understanding, Nikki served in the Peace Corps in Namibia, where she taught Mathematics and English, trained volunteers and educators, helped establish a school library, and actively participated in the Gender Awareness in Namibia committee to support equity-focused initiatives. Now serving as the Director of Workforce Development and Columbus EcosySTEM at PAST, Nikki draws on her diverse experiences to tackle educational and workplace inequities. She is committed to equipping students with the skills, confidence, and opportunities they need to pursue fulfilling and impactful careers.
- Embedded Electronics and SMART Design | PAST Foundation
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 )









