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  • Maker Mania | PAST Foundation

    Discover Maker Mania, the ultimate event for creativity and community. Join Maker Mania to unleash your inner engineer or tinkerer today! Maker Mania Hands-On STEM Fun for the Whole Family Join us at Maker Mania for an evening of creativity, curiosity, and community! Whether you’re a budding engineer, young explorer, or lifelong tinkerer, Maker Mania offers something for everyone. Experience interactive STEM stations, collaborative challenges, and hands-on activities that spark imagination and inspire innovation. This event is free and open to the public. Families, students, and curious minds of all ages are welcome. Upcoming Events Our next Maker Mania events are in the works! Event dates, locations, and registration details will be announced soon. Sign up for Email Updates Maker Mania on The Lawn at CAS Maker Mania on The Lawn at CAS Maker Mania on The Lawn at CAS Maker Mania on The Lawn at CAS Maker Mania on The Lawn at CAS Maker Mania on The Lawn at CAS Thank You to Our Partners Maker Mania is made possible through generous support from our partners and collaborators. Want more opportunities to explore, create, and connect through real-world learning? Check Out our Upcoming Events

  • Early IT Microschool | PAST Foundation

    Discover the Early IT Microschool for grades 9–12, a unique educational path with the PAST Foundation and University of Cincinnati. Explore more now! Early IT Microschool An Accelerated Pathway to College and Careers in Information Technology The Early IT Microschool, powered by the PAST Foundation and in collaboration with the University of Cincinnati, offers a pioneering educational pathway for students in grades 9–12. This program is specifically designed to empower economically disadvantaged, traditionally underserved, and first-generation college-bound students with a strong interest in STEM, particularly in information technology (IT) and related fields.

 Get Involved A Proven Track Record of Impact Since launching in 2018, the Early IT Microschool has helped over 20 students earn a Bachelor of Science in Information Technology from the University of Cincinnati — many before the age of 21. Graduates are now thriving in fields such as software development, cybersecurity, and data analysis, supported by the program’s unique, industry-connected educational model. Dual Enrollment Opportunities Students can earn both high school and college credit simultaneously. Career-Aligned IT Curriculum Coursework is designed to match the needs of today’s tech workforce. Equity-Focused Access Built to close opportunity gaps for students traditionally underrepresented in STEM fields. Who Should Apply? The Early IT Microschool is ideal for students who: Are entering grades 9–12 Show interest or aptitude in technology or STEM Are first-generation college-bound or from under-resourced communities Want to graduate with college credits and direct path to high-demand careers Program Partners Early IT is made possible by strong partnerships across education and industry. Ready to Learn More? If you’re a student, parent, or school district leader interested in getting involved, we’d love to hear from you. Contact Us

  • Terms and Conditions | PAST Foundation

    Terms & Conditions PAST Foundation Terms & Conditions Please read these terms and conditions carefully before using Our Service. Interpretation and Definitions Interpretation The words of which the initial letter is capitalized have meanings defined under the following conditions. The following definitions shall have the same meaning regardless of whether they appear in singular or in plural. Definitions For the purposes of these Terms and Conditions: Affiliate means an entity that controls, is controlled by or is under common control with a party, where "control" means ownership of 50% or more of the shares, equity interest or other securities entitled to vote for election of directors or other managing authority. Country refers to: Ohio, United States Company (referred to as either "the Company", "We", "Us" or "Our" in this Agreement) refers to PAST Foundation, 1003 Kinnear Road, Columbus, OH 43212. Device means any device that can access the Service such as a computer, a cellphone or a digital tablet. Service refers to the Website. Terms and Conditions (also referred as "Terms") mean these Terms and Conditions that form the entire agreement between You and the Company regarding the use of the Service. Third-party Social Media Service means any services or content (including data, information, products or services) provided by a third-party that may be displayed, included or made available by the Service. Website refers to PAST Foundation, accessible from https://www.pastfoundation.org You means the individual accessing or using the Service, or the company, or other legal entity on behalf of which such individual is accessing or using the Service, as applicable. Acknowledgment These are the Terms and Conditions governing the use of this Service and the agreement that operates between You and the Company. These Terms and Conditions set out the rights and obligations of all users regarding the use of the Service. Your access to and use of the Service is conditioned on Your acceptance of and compliance with these Terms and Conditions. These Terms and Conditions apply to all visitors, users and others who access or use the Service. By accessing or using the Service You agree to be bound by these Terms and Conditions. If You disagree with any part of these Terms and Conditions then You may not access the Service. You represent that you are over the age of 18. The Company does not permit those under 18 to use the Service. Your access to and use of the Service is also conditioned on Your acceptance of and compliance with the Privacy Policy of the Company. Our Privacy Policy describes Our policies and procedures on the collection, use and disclosure of Your personal information when You use the Application or the Website and tells You about Your privacy rights and how the law protects You. Please read Our Privacy Policy carefully before using Our Service. Links to Other Websites Our Service may contain links to third-party web sites or services that are not owned or controlled by the Company. The Company has no control over, and assumes no responsibility for, the content, privacy policies, or practices of any third party web sites or services. You further acknowledge and agree that the Company shall not be responsible or liable, directly or indirectly, for any damage or loss caused or alleged to be caused by or in connection with the use of or reliance on any such content, goods or services available on or through any such web sites or services. We strongly advise You to read the terms and conditions and privacy policies of any third-party web sites or services that You visit. Termination We may terminate or suspend Your access immediately, without prior notice or liability, for any reason whatsoever, including without limitation if You breach these Terms and Conditions. Upon termination, Your right to use the Service will cease immediately. Limitation of Liability Notwithstanding any damages that You might incur, the entire liability of the Company and any of its suppliers under any provision of this Terms and Your exclusive remedy for all of the foregoing shall be limited to the amount actually paid by You through the Service or 100 USD if You haven't purchased anything through the Service. To the maximum extent permitted by applicable law, in no event shall the Company or its suppliers be liable for any special, incidental, indirect, or consequential damages whatsoever (including, but not limited to, damages for loss of profits, loss of data or other information, for business interruption, for personal injury, loss of privacy arising out of or in any way related to the use of or inability to use the Service, third-party software and/or third-party hardware used with the Service, or otherwise in connection with any provision of this Terms), even if the Company or any supplier has been advised of the possibility of such damages and even if the remedy fails of its essential purpose. Some states do not allow the exclusion of implied warranties or limitation of liability for incidental or consequential damages, which means that some of the above limitations may not apply. In these states, each party's liability will be limited to the greatest extent permitted by law. “AS IS” and “AS AVAILABLE” Disclaimer The Service is provided to You "AS IS" and "AS AVAILABLE" and with all faults and defects without warranty of any kind. To the maximum extent permitted under applicable law, the Company, on its own behalf and on behalf of its Affiliates and its and their respective licensors and service providers, expressly disclaims all warranties, whether express, implied, statutory or otherwise, with respect to the Service, including all implied warranties of merchantability, fitness for a particular purpose, title and non-infringement, and warranties that may arise out of course of dealing, course of performance, usage or trade practice. Without limitation to the foregoing, the Company provides no warranty or undertaking, and makes no representation of any kind that the Service will meet Your requirements, achieve any intended results, be compatible or work with any other software, applications, systems or services, operate without interruption, meet any performance or reliability standards or be error free or that any errors or defects can or will be corrected. Without limiting the foregoing, neither the Company nor any of the company's provider makes any representation or warranty of any kind, express or implied: (i) as to the operation or availability of the Service, or the information, content, and materials or products included thereon; (ii) that the Service will be uninterrupted or error-free; (iii) as to the accuracy, reliability, or currency of any information or content provided through the Service; or (iv) that the Service, its servers, the content, or e-mails sent from or on behalf of the Company are free of viruses, scripts, trojan horses, worms, malware, timebombs or other harmful components. Some jurisdictions do not allow the exclusion of certain types of warranties or limitations on applicable statutory rights of a consumer, so some or all of the above exclusions and limitations may not apply to You. But in such a case the exclusions and limitations set forth in this section shall be applied to the greatest extent enforceable under applicable law. Governing Law The laws of the Country, excluding its conflicts of law rules, shall govern this Terms and Your use of the Service. Your use of the Application may also be subject to other local, state, national, or international laws. Disputes Resolution If You have any concern or dispute about the Service, You agree to first try to resolve the dispute informally by contacting the Company. For European Union (EU) Users If You are a European Union consumer, you will benefit from any mandatory provisions of the law of the country in which you are resident in. United States Legal Compliance You represent and warrant that (i) You are not located in a country that is subject to the United States government embargo, or that has been designated by the United States government as a "terrorist supporting" country, and (ii) You are not listed on any United States government list of prohibited or restricted parties. Severability and Waiver Severability If any provision of these Terms is held to be unenforceable or invalid, such provision will be changed and interpreted to accomplish the objectives of such provision to the greatest extent possible under applicable law and the remaining provisions will continue in full force and effect. Waiver Except as provided herein, the failure to exercise a right or to require performance of an obligation under these Terms shall not effect a party's ability to exercise such right or require such performance at any time thereafter nor shall the waiver of a breach constitute a waiver of any subsequent breach. Translation Interpretation These Terms and Conditions may have been translated if We have made them available to You on our Service. You agree that the original English text shall prevail in the case of a dispute. Changes to These Terms and Conditions We reserve the right, at Our sole discretion, to modify or replace these Terms at any time. If a revision is material We will make reasonable efforts to provide at least 30 days' notice prior to any new terms taking effect. What constitutes a material change will be determined at Our sole discretion. By continuing to access or use Our Service after those revisions become effective, You agree to be bound by the revised terms. If You do not agree to the new terms, in whole or in part, please stop using the website and the Service. Contact Us If you have any questions about these Terms and Conditions, You can contact us: By visiting this page on our website: https://www.pastfoundation.org/

  • Digital Nomads: Parent/Facilitator Informed Consent | PAST Foundation

    IRB Protocol Number: #2017-04-0015ETH and #2017-11-0016ETH IRB Approval Date: February 5, 2024 Request to Withdraw from Research You have been selected to participate in a research study examining the impact of STEM programming. Your participation is voluntary, confidential, and involves no risk. Research activities may include taking surveys and/or participating in interviews or group discussions. All results are anonymous and will not include identifying information. This research will provide an understanding of the benefits of the PAST Foundation’s programs on STEM learning and identity. These research methods are designed to measure how you perceive STEM education, as well as STEM students and practitioners. The insights we gather from the research activities will help us improve our programming and provide a better experience. The insights may also be shared in magazine articles and at teacher conferences to help improve STEM learning experiences. You may contact PAST Staff members Kayla Galloway, Research Field Manager, Dr. Lane Fargher Navarro, Director of Research, or Maria Green Cohen, Impact Officer at telephone number 614-340-1208 any time you have questions about the research or the IRB approved project. Your participation in this research is voluntary, and no one will be penalized or lose benefits if you refuse permission to participate or decide to stop.

  • STEM Streaming | PAST Foundation

    Discover free, virtual STEM learning with STEM Streaming from the PAST Foundation. Perfect for classrooms or at-home learning. Explore STEM Streaming now! STEM Streaming Your hub for free, virtual STEM learning experiences Whether you're teaching from a classroom, a living room, or anywhere in between, these resources are designed to support creativity, problem-solving, and real-world learning at every level. Learning Unboxed Podcast Hosted by PAST Founder and CEO Annalies Corbin, this podcast explores the future of teaching, learning, and workforce development. Tune in for conversations that challenge assumptions and spark new ideas. Listen to the Podcast STEM Activities at Home Explore our growing library of downloadable STEM design challenges, perfect for at-home learning, classrooms, libraries, and more. Activities are designed to be accessible, engaging, and adaptable across grade levels. Browse Activities Webinars for Educators Check out a list of our upcoming webinars, previously recorded webinars, and register to attend our Teacher Chat Thursday! Webinars for Educators Curated External Resources We’ve gathered additional free STEM resources to extend your learning, including: Women in Computer Science Columbia Engineering’s Coding Resources for Women Online Class Tips and Tools Simple STEM Activities to do at Home Explore More STEM Resources Want more STEM ideas, tools, and inspiration? Check out our other virtual resources or get in touch with our team. Browse All Virtual Resources Connect with the PAST Team

  • PBL Publications | PAST Foundation

    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

  • Paige Shalter Bruening, Ph.D | PAST Foundation

    Paige Shalter Bruening, Ph.D Director of MicroSchools & Project & Grant Coordination Dr. Paige Shalter Bruening has a Ph.D. in Educational Policy and Leadership, with specializations in Educational Psychology and Teacher Education, from The Ohio State University. She began her career as a middle school teacher and taught in schools in Columbus, OH and Columbia, SC. She later moved to Capital University where she was an Associate Professor and taught Educational Psychology, Developing as an Educator and Social Studies methods courses. She supervised student teachers, was the Assessment and Accreditation Coordinator for the Education Department and served as the Chair of the College Faculty. She left Capital to become a school liaison at Nationwide Children’s Hospital’s Big Lots Behavioral Health Pavilion and eventually led the Hospital School Program there. She worked with the hospital, families and schools to assist children who had been admitted to easily and effectively re-enter the educational system after hospitalization and conducted professional development with local school district counselors on the importance of collaboration between the hospital and schools. Paige began consulting work for The PAST Foundation in November 2025 and has been instrumental in grant writing, professional development, the creation of Microschools and developing industry partnerships. In her spare time, Paige enjoys cooking, reading, crocheting and doing any sort of puzzle. Email: pshalterbruening@pastfoundation.org

  • PAST in Action | PAST Foundation

    Explore PAST in Action, a living gallery showcasing our impactful work with students, educators, and communities. Discover PAST in Action now! PAST in Action Bringing Real-World Learning to Life. PAST in Action is a living gallery of the work we do in partnership with students, educators, and communities across the country. From school districts reimagining instruction to students launching into STEM careers, this is where our mission becomes reality. Our Impact These numbers represent more than metrics—they reflect lives changed, systems improved, and futures reimagined. 3.2 million+ students served 24,000+ educators engaged 600+ programs launched 500+ business and industry partners 120+ program locations nationwide Explore the Work Case Studies Deep dives into how schools and districts are using PAST’s methods to shift culture, boost engagement, and link learning to life. View Case Studies Research in Action Learn how our research-backed models are tested and refined in real environments. Visit the Research Page Success Stories Quick wins and powerful journeys of how students, teachers, and partners are making meaningful change with PAST. Explore Stories Student Experience Reports Annual overviews of our student programs, highlighting participation, outcomes, and insights that shape future offerings. These reports capture both data and student voice. Explore Reports PAST in Action Using A Real Problem to Teach Math...of All Things! In Ms. Baker’s Algebra 3 class at eSTEM last month, students learned about quadratic equations. However, instead of simply drilling through a plethora of problem sets, students addressed the problem, “How can we boost the Wi-Fi hotspot on Ms. Baker’s phone?” Ms. Baker has shared her own passion for gaming with her students, including her accounts of playing the recently popular game Pokémon Go with her own children. If her kids were sharing the Wi-Fi on her phone between their own hand-held devices, how could they enhance their experience of playing the game together? Read More The Hybrid Teacher Model In 2015, South Dakota Innovation Lab (SDIL) was awarded a Bush South Dakota Community Foundation grant for the purpose of piloting a Hybrid teaching system that incorporates technology and prototypes a model for integrating content and problem-based instructional strategies alongside hybrid delivery for pre-service teachers. The proposal comes from a five year quest to address several critical issues facing education in rural America. Read More Part 1: Planning of the Peace Project at Herbert Mills Elementary in Reynoldsburg, OH PAST works with schools to help build and support a culture that engages students in authentic problem-solving within their schools and community. As thinking partners for the Herbert Mills STEM Elementary team, we brainstormed how students might answer the question, “How can we promote peace among ourselves, our school, and our community?” Students and teachers articulate the problem-solving process by using The Herbert Mills Engineering Design Process (pictured on right). Our teaching teams also engage in design thinking and the design process in their own curriculum planning. Read More Students Explore Space with NASA and TPBL At STEM Middle at Baldwin Road Junior High in Reynoldsburg, OH, teachers used a NASA-funded grant to plan and implement space exploration-themed activities with students. PAST Foundation was there to support the work, and capture the fun! Read More Community Partners, Engaging Problems, Student Solutions...Oh My! Angela Forino is a 3rd Grade educator at Herbert Mills Elementary School in Reynoldsburg, OH and has a goal this year: get her students designing solutions for their community. And, she is accomplishing this goal everyday by reaching out to partners in the community to connect her students with. Read More An Anthropological Perspective: Foundational Strategies of Education Today’s communities must examine the particulars of instruction and delivery so that they are aligned with how industries and networks function in the 21st century. As teachers shift to being guides in instruction and learning environments become portals of knowledge exploration that combine experience and authentic problem-solving, the particulars of instructional and delivery strategies will align with the cultural strategies defining literacy. Read More Video Games in the Classroom, Really? A sixth grade student sits staring intensely in front of his laptop, fervently clicking his mouse to place sandstone blocks in the popular video game Minecraft. As the teacher moves behind him to view his screen, he tells her that after scaling his pyramid to half size, the structure was still way too big, but scaling to quarter size was too small and wouldn’t “look cool.” Should he scale the model to one-third size? He would have to round to a nearest whole number, but that was okay, right? The teacher asks him to explain how he would divide and round the various dimensions of the pyramid, and the student responds by quickly typing on his calculator and scribbling a few numbers on a sheet of paper, before reporting his idea. Read More Problem-Based Learning with Birds! Kindergarten students typically hear or see a bird and yet often remain oblivious to the sounds of nature surrounding them. Kelly Preheim’s kindergarten class in Armour, SD not only pays attention, but can name birds by sound and sight—over 300 of them! Read More Inquisitive Brains Bring the 2nd Annual Health Fair to (HS)2 Reynoldsburg, OH Walking through the school’s halls towards the southeast end of the building, a dull hum grows into a vibrant buzz, percolating with shouts of excitement and calls to friends. Through the corridors and into the school’s Field House, the buzz becomes a warble of enthusiasm and alacrity as students, siblings, teachers, and parents bustle to and from various tables, examining brochures, models, and interactive devices. Student projects tower on some tables, while other tables host local health-related businesses and organizations. Read More Conversational Mathematics In 2009 Paul Lockhart declared that mathematics is a form of art. He argues that mathematics as rote procedures and contrived applications destroys the natural curiosity of children. Mathematics as a memorization game, diminishes the inherent beauty in mathematics, and completely overlooks the fact that mathematics is a form of art. We agree with Lockhart and push the argument one step further: beyond being a game, beyond being an art form, mathematics is one of only five non verbal languages. Mathematics like Music, American Sign Language, Morse Code, and Signaling use symbols arranged in varying sequences to convey information. All are taught in formal education courses. But unlike the other non-verbal languages, many mathematics classes are taught with the removal of application, which returns us to Lockhart’s lament, that with the abstraction of mathematics there is a loss in appreciation of both the beauty and application. Read More Transforming Spaces and Practice From the outside, Baldwin STEM Middle School resembles a typical school. However, as you walk into the school, you immediately recognize this is not a traditional school. The numerous decisions the team and students have made to showcase the students’ STEM experience at the middle level is evident throughout the building. This transformation began with reimagining the traditional library to become a space the staff and students now call The Foundry. This redefined space was catalyzed by an idea to provide middle school students an opportunity to learn within a maker space. A lead teacher for Baldwin, Sandy Guinto, envisioned an opportunity to build a math course that would utilize the maker space tools and build a pipeline for students to transition into the high school level Fab Lab. Her course “The Art of Math,” students have an opportunity to learn and reinforce math content standards through the lens of design and art. Read More Constraints and Pitfalls Encountered in Crossing the Threshold to Transdisciplinary Problem-Based Learning This report focuses on the constraints and pitfalls teachers face when transitioning from traditional learning strategies to transdisciplinary problem-based learning (TPBL). In educational theory these thresholds are associated with culture shifts and new demands on educational strategies that meet changing societal needs. Both the approach to change and the time following are charged with liminal constraints that must be navigated and pitfalls that test confidence. Partnering with administrators, teachers, students and community to navigate constraints and build confidence is the focus of the PAST Foundation. PAST uses an array of methodologies to better understand perceptions and inform actionable pathways so that the transitions are successful. Read More Part 2: Sharing of the Peace Project at Herbert Mills STEM Elementary in Reynoldsburg, OH On a warm day in Spring before lunch, students gathered in the school’s community garden for The Peace Project Reveal to show off the smooth stones they painted with symbols and artwork that resembled what peace means to them. The Reveal marked the final step— share in the Herbert Mills Elementary Engineering Design Process. The project launched three weeks prior at Morning Roar, the school-wide meeting that begins each school day. Read More The Hybrid Teaching Model Submitted To: South Dakota Community Foundation In Fulfillment Of: Bush Community Grant In 2015, South Dakota Innovation Lab (SDIL) was awarded a Bush South Dakota Community Foundation grant for the purpose of piloting a Hybrid teaching system that incorporates technology and prototypes a model for integrating content and problem-based instructional strategies alongside hybrid delivery for pre-service teachers. The proposal comes from a five year quest to address several critical issues facing education in rural America. Read More Summer Hybrid Teaching Three teachers in one classroom, teaching multiple subjects at the same time? How can standards be addressed if everything is combined together? How do students even know what they are learning? This summer, PAST piloted a hybrid teaching program called Sprouts, and began collecting answers to these questions. Read More Want to See PAST in Action in Your Community? We’re always looking for new partners who believe in bold, hands-on learning. Start the Conversation View Upcoming Events

  • Central Ohio STEM Action Center | PAST Foundation

    Discover how the Central Ohio STEM Action Center enhances STEM education in the region. Learn more about the Central Ohio STEM Action Center now! Central Ohio STEM Action Center A regional hub of innovation, partnership, and opportunity Powered by PAST The OSLN Central Ohio STEM Action Center connects and amplifies STEM education across the region. As a hub of the Ohio STEM Learning Network (OSLN), we bring together educators, schools, businesses, and community partners to build meaningful, real-world learning opportunities for students. We don’t just support programs—we help design, launch, and sustain STEM platform schools that become models of innovation for the entire state. School Design & STEM Designation We coach schools through the process of becoming officially STEM designated by the Ohio Department of Education and Workforce. This includes design support, PD, implementation strategy, and stakeholder engagement. Become a STEM Designated School Professional Learning Through embedded coaching, workshops, and immersive PD, we equip teachers and leaders to implement project-based, student-centered STEM learning. Ecosystem Building We connect K–12 schools with higher ed, industry, and nonprofit partners to create learning opportunities that are relevant, authentic, and career-aligned. R&D and Prototyping We help schools pilot, refine, and share new instructional approaches. Through real-time testing and feedback, we help turn good ideas into sustainable models. Designated STEM Schools in Central Ohio We support a growing list of STEM and STEAM designated schools across Ohio. Each one demonstrates a commitment to hands-on, inquiry-based learning connected to real-world challenges. Metro Early College High School Marysville STEM Early College High School West High School Herbert Mills STEAM Elementary STEM Middle at Baldwin Road Summit Road STEM Elementary Horizon Science Academy - High School Par Excellence STEM Academy Tree of Life Christian Schools - Polaris Campus View Full List of Ohio STEM Schools Become a Designated STEM School Our Partners We collaborate with leaders in tech, health, education, and manufacturing to connect learning to real life. These partnerships provide mentorships, internships, classroom resources, and more. Join our growing STEM network! Become a Partner Ways to Learn & Engage Explore hands-on opportunities, upcoming events, and tools to support your work in STEM education. Featured Resources Rapid Prototyping Toolkit K–12 STEM Case Studies OSLN e-Newsletter STEM Designation Process Overview Upcoming Events View Upcoming OSLN Events

  • Donate | PAST Foundation

    Discover how to invest in the future of learning. Support PAST's mission to transform education and prepare students for real-world success. Invest in the Future of Learning Real-world learning. Lasting community impact. We connect students, educators, and partners to the future of education through innovation, research, and hands-on programs. Donate Now Why Give to PAST? For over 20 years, we’ve helped reimagine education through hands-on programs, research and development, and strategic partnerships that prepare students for real-world success. With your help, we can: Provide scholarships and hands-on learning for students Train educators to teach with purpose, creativity, and relevance Expand access to STEM programs in underserved communities Sustain and grow innovative spaces like the PAST Innovation Lab Honor legacies that continue to shape our mission Ways to Give One-Time Gift or Monthly Support Make a gift that fits your budget and your values. You can choose to give now, set up monthly donations, or become an annual sustaining partner. Honor Someone Special Celebrate a mentor, student, or loved one with a gift in their memory or name. We currently honor: Chad Raymond Memorial Scholarship Beverly Ann Erwin “Bev’s Garden” Support a Program You Care About Select a focus area that matches your passion: Student Programs Support after-school opportunities, summer learning, and scholarships that help students grow confidence and career-ready skills. Girls Who Lead Help empower young women to pursue and lead in STEM fields. STEM Professional Development Provide teachers and school leaders with tools and training that make learning meaningful and future-focused. PAST Innovation Lab Support our one-of-a-kind educational R&D lab where students, educators, and industry come together to create the future of learning. STEM Action Center Advance regional collaboration and programming that brings STEM to life in Ohio schools. Bev’s Garden Contribute to the care and growth of this living memorial and outdoor learning space. Want to Do More? There are many ways to support our work beyond a financial donation. Donate Time or Expertise Mentor a student, support a project, or lend your professional skills. Give In-Kind Resources From equipment to curriculum materials, in-kind gifts help us serve more students with greater impact. Partner on a Project Have an idea for collaboration? We’re always open to new ways to connect. Let us know what you’re thinking. Contact Us Donate Now Make Your Gift Today Join us in building the future of education—one student, one idea, one program at a time.

  • Marcy Raymond | PAST Foundation

    Marcy Raymond Strategy Officer Marcy brings decades of experience and expertise in STEM education and teaching and learning. Marcy has worked with PAST for nearly 12 years first as principal of the Metro Early College High School and in later years as an advisor, partner, and training colleague. We are excited to have Marcy’s expertise and insight.

  • Portable Innovation Labs | PAST Foundation

    Explore our Portable Innovation Labs for hands-on STEM learning in Ohio classrooms. Discover how Portable Innovation Labs make an impact today! Portable Innovation Labs Expanding STEM Access Across Ohio Our Portable Innovation Labs (PILs) bring high-quality, hands-on STEM learning to classrooms across Ohio at no cost. Powered by PAST and in partnership with Battelle, these labs are designed to support teachers and students with tools and experiences that schools may not be able to access on their own. Reserve a Lab Why Educators Love Our Labs Nurturing STEM Identity Portable Innovation Labs empower students and educators to see themselves as innovators, problem-solvers, and future STEM leaders through hands-on, real-world learning. No Cost Learning PAST Foundation provides PILs at no cost to ensure every educator and student has access to high-quality STEM experiences regardless of available resources. Diverse Lab Experiences Each PIL offers unique, ready-to-use lab experiences designed to spark curiosity and connect learning to real-world careers. Labs spanning PreK-12th grade content, there is a lab for everyone in every subject! Where to Borrow a Lab Portable Innovation Labs are available for free at several hub locations across Ohio, thanks to our partnership with Battelle and local collaborators. Each hub may offer a slightly different selection of labs, so check your nearest location for availability. Our ultimate goal is to make STEM education more accessible and engaging, and we believe that our Portable Innovation Labs are a significant step towards achieving this vision. How It Works Labs are free to borrow for 2–3 weeks Options may include equipment, materials, and curriculum Pickup and return is required at the hub Inventory varies by location PAST Foundation Serving Central Ohio Headquartered in Columbus, the PAST Foundation serves as the central distribution site for Portable Innovation Labs. Educators can borrow labs directly from the PAST Innovation Lab to support STEM exploration, problem-based learning, and real-world skill development. View Available Labs North Point ESC Serving a 13 county region in Northeast Ohio Northpoint ESC is a regional hub offering access to PAST's Portable Innovation Labs. Educators in this region can borrow labs to expand classroom learning with real-world STEM tools and strategies. View Available Labs ESC of Eastern Ohio Serving more than 20 districts in Eastern Ohio The ESC of Eastern Ohio (ESCEO) provides partner districts and their students with experience, leadership, and expertise. Each lab supports hands-on exploration and instructional flexibility. View Available Labs Columbus Metropolitan Library Serving Columbus Metropolitan Library branch staff Library staff can borrow Portable Innovation Labs to enhance programming and provide students with meaningful STEM learning experiences. Labs support the PAST Design Cycle and align with inquiry-based learning practices. Note: Only Columbus Metropolitan Library employees may borrow these labs for use within their branch programs. View Available Labs Center of Youth Futures (Cincinnati) Serving the Greater Cincinnati region At the Center of Youth Futures, they believe in making dreams accessible. This hub location is located on the University of Cincinnati campus. Labs are available to all educators in the surrounding areas! View Available Labs Brown County ESC Serving a 13-county region in Northeast Ohio Brown County ESC is an agency that is a regional educational services provider that supports and assists 6 partner districts in southern Ohio. View Available Labs Southeast Ohio STEM Hub Serving the Southeast Ohio region Southeast Ohio STEM Hub connects educators with professional development opportunities and offers engaging experiential programming to foster and promote promising practices for STEM, STEAM, and STEMM (Medicine) across Appalachian Ohio. This hub is located on the campus of Ohio University and is available to all surrounding educators! View Available Labs Northwest OSLN Hub Serving the Northwest Ohio region Northwest Ohio STEM Hub aims to advance science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) education for people of all ages. This hub is located on the campus of Bowling Green State University and is available to all surrounding educators! View Available Labs Mercer County ESC Serving the Greater Cincinnati region Mercer County ESC is an agency that is a regional educational services provider that supports and assists partner districts in western Ohio. View Available Labs The PAST Foundation innovation labs have been an excellent hands-on addition to my current middle school medical career exploration curriculum. My students enjoyed the collaborative hands-on learning and extensions to our current curriculum.” — Jen Hubble, Middle School Educator What People Are Saying Ready to Be Part of the Impact? 01 Browse our full catalog of available labs and reserve one today. View All Labs 02 Have questions or want help getting started? Reach out to our team! Contact Us 03 Interested in hosting a Portable Innovation Lab hub in your region? Let’s talk about what’s possible. Become a Partner Site

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