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Privacy Policy PAST Foundation Privacy Policy This Application collects some Personal Data from its Users. This document can be printed for reference by using the print command in the settings of any browser. Owner and Data Controller PAST Foundation 1003 Kinnear Road, Columbus, Ohio 43212 Owner contact email: info@pastinnovationlab.org Types of Data collected Among the types of Personal Data that this Application collects, by itself or through third parties, there are: first name; last name; phone number; email address; Usage Data; profession; Cookies. Complete details on each type of Personal Data collected are provided in the dedicated sections of this privacy policy or by specific explanation texts displayed prior to the Data collection.Personal Data may be freely provided by the User, or, in case of Usage Data, collected automatically when using this Application. Unless specified otherwise, all Data requested by this Application is mandatory and failure to provide this Data may make it impossible for this Application to provide its services. In cases where this Application specifically states that some Data is not mandatory, Users are free not to communicate this Data without consequences to the availability or the functioning of the Service. Users who are uncertain about which Personal Data is mandatory are welcome to contact the Owner.Any use of Cookies – or of other tracking tools – by this Application or by the owners of third-party services used by this Application serves the purpose of providing the Service required by the User, in addition to any other purposes described in the present document and in the Cookie Policy, if available. Users are responsible for any third-party Personal Data obtained, published or shared through this Application and confirm that they have the third party’s consent to provide the Data to the Owner. Information we collect from Children The PAST Foundation website and services are not intended for use by children and we do not actively collect personal information from children. The PAST Foundation owns and operates a white-labeled version of WorkAdventu.re, a platform for students, teachers, mentors, and workforce professionals to meet and engage under supervision, in an online virtual environment. For more information on the collection and use practices of our WorkAdventure product, please visit WorkAdventure privacy policy . If you are a parent, teacher or student and have questions about our collection and use of personal information in relation to children, please contact us at info@pastfoundation.org . Mode and place of processing the Data Methods of processing The Owner takes appropriate security measures to prevent unauthorized access, disclosure, modification, or unauthorized destruction of the Data. The Data processing is carried out using computers and/or IT enabled tools, following organizational procedures and modes strictly related to the purposes indicated. In addition to the Owner, in some cases, the Data may be accessible to certain types of persons in charge, involved with the operation of this Application (administration, sales, marketing, legal, system administration) or external parties (such as third-party technical service providers, mail carriers, hosting providers, IT companies, communications agencies) appointed, if necessary, as Data Processors by the Owner. The updated list of these parties may be requested from the Owner at any time. Legal basis of processing The Owner may process Personal Data relating to Users if one of the following applies: Users have given their consent for one or more specific purposes. Note: Under some legislations the Owner may be allowed to process Personal Data until the User objects to such processing (“opt-out”), without having to rely on consent or any other of the following legal bases. This, however, does not apply, whenever the processing of Personal Data is subject to European data protection law; provision of Data is necessary for the performance of an agreement with the User and/or for any pre-contractual obligations thereof; processing is necessary for compliance with a legal obligation to which the Owner is subject; processing is related to a task that is carried out in the public interest or in the exercise of official authority vested in the Owner; processing is necessary for the purposes of the legitimate interests pursued by the Owner or by a third party. In any case, the Owner will gladly help to clarify the specific legal basis that applies to the processing, and in particular whether the provision of Personal Data is a statutory or contractual requirement, or a requirement necessary to enter into a contract. Place The Data is processed at the Owner’s operating offices and in any other places where the parties involved in the processing are located.Depending on the User’s location, data transfers may involve transferring the User’s Data to a country other than their own. To find out more about the place of processing of such transferred Data, Users can check the section containing details about the processing of Personal Data. Users are also entitled to learn about the legal basis of Data transfers to a country outside the European Union or to any international organization governed by public international law or set up by two or more countries, such as the UN, and about the security measures taken by the Owner to safeguard their Data.If any such transfer takes place, Users can find out more by checking the relevant sections of this document or inquire with the Owner using the information provided in the contact section. Retention time Personal Data shall be processed and stored for as long as required by the purpose they have been collected for. Therefore: Personal Data collected for purposes related to the performance of a contract between the Owner and the User shall be retained until such contract has been fully performed. Personal Data collected for the purposes of the Owner’s legitimate interests shall be retained as long as needed to fulfill such purposes. Users may find specific information regarding the legitimate interests pursued by the Owner within the relevant sections of this document or by contacting the Owner. The Owner may be allowed to retain Personal Data for a longer period whenever the User has given consent to such processing, as long as such consent is not withdrawn. Furthermore, the Owner may be obliged to retain Personal Data for a longer period whenever required to do so for the performance of a legal obligation or upon order of an authority.Once the retention period expires, Personal Data shall be deleted. Therefore, the right of access, the right to erasure, the right to rectification and the right to data portability cannot be enforced after expiration of the retention period. The purposes of processing The Data concerning the User is collected to allow the Owner to provide its Service, comply with its legal obligations, respond to enforcement requests, protect its rights and interests (or those of its Users or third parties), detect any malicious or fraudulent activity, as well as the following: Contacting the User, Analytics, User database management, Managing contacts and sending messages, Heat mapping and session recording and Handling payments. For specific information about the Personal Data used for each purpose, the User may refer to the section “Detailed information on the processing of Personal Data”. Detailed information on the processing of Personal Data Personal Data is collected for the following purposes and using the following services: Analytics The services contained in this section enable the Owner to monitor and analyze web traffic and can be used to keep track of User behavior. HubSpot Analytics (HubSpot, Inc.) HubSpot Analytics is an analytics service provided by HubSpot, Inc.Personal Data processed: Cookies; Usage Data. Place of processing: United States – Privacy Policy – Opt Out Google Analytics (Google Inc.) Google Analytics is a web analysis service provided by Google Inc. (“Google”). Google utilizes the Data collected to track and examine the use of this Application, to prepare reports on its activities and share them with other Google services. Google may use the Data collected to contextualize and personalize the ads of its own advertising network. Personal Data processed: Cookies; Usage Data. Place of processing: United States – Privacy Policy – Opt Out Contacting the User Contact form (this Application) By filling in the contact form with their Data, the User authorizes this Application to use these details to reply to requests for information, quotes or any other kind of request as indicated by the form’s header. Personal Data processed: email address; first name; last name; phone number. Mailing list or newsletter (this Application) By registering on the mailing list or for the newsletter, the User’s email address will be added to the contact list of those who may receive email messages containing information of commercial or promotional nature concerning this Application. Your email address might also be added to this list as a result of signing up to this Application or after making a purchase. Personal Data processed: email address; profession; Usage Data. Handling Payments Payment processing services enable this Application to process payments by credit card, bank transfer or other means. To ensure greater security, this Application shares only the information necessary to execute the transaction with the financial intermediaries handling the transaction.Some of these services may also enable the sending of timed messages to the User, such as emails containing invoices or notifications concerning the payment. Authorize.Net (Authorize.Net) Authorize.Net is a payment service provided by Authorize.Net. Personal Data processed: various types of Data as specified in the privacy policy of the service. Place of processing: United States – Privacy Policy . Heat mapping and session recording Heat mapping services are used to display the areas of a page where Users most frequently move the mouse or click. This shows where the points of interest are. These services make it possible to monitor and analyze web traffic and keep track of User behavior. Some of these services may record sessions and make them available for later visual playback. Hotjar Heat Maps & Recordings (Hotjar Ltd.) Hotjar is a session recording and heat mapping service provided by Hotjar Ltd.Hotjar honors generic „Do Not Track” headers. This means the browser can tell its script not to collect any of the User’s data. This is a setting that is available in all major browsers. Find Hotjar’s opt-out information here . Personal Data processed: Cookies; Usage Data; various types of Data as specified in the privacy policy of the service. Place of processing: Malta – Privacy Policy – Opt Out . Managing contacts and sending messages This type of service makes it possible to manage a database of email contacts, phone contacts or any other contact information to communicate with the User. These services may also collect data concerning the date and time when the message was viewed by the User, as well as when the User interacted with it, such as by clicking on links included in the message. Opt-Out Options and Mobile Information You have the right to opt out of receiving marketing communications from us at any time by: SMS: Replying "STOP" to any SMS message you receive from us. Email: info@pastfoundation.org Clicking the "unsubscribe" link in any email you receive from us. Account Settings: Updating your preferences in your account settings on our website. More on mobile information usage, collection, and privacy Our SMS program provides updates, notifications, and promotional messages related to our services. By subscribing to our SMS program, you consent to receive SMS messages at the phone number provided. Message frequency may vary based on your interaction with our service. We do not share your mobile information with third parties or affiliates for marketing or promotional purposes. Additionally, all the categories of personal data mentioned above exclude text messaging originator opt-in data and consent. This information will not be shared with any third parties under any circumstances. However, we may share your data with trusted service providers who assist us in operating our SMS program, provided they agree to keep your data confidential and use it solely for the purpose of providing services on our behalf. You have the right to access, correct, verify, or remove your personal information at any time. To manage your information, please contact us at 614-340-1208 . Opt-Out Option: If you wish to opt-out of receiving SMS messages, you may do so at any time by replying "STOP" to any of our messages or by contacting us directly at 614-340-1208 . Opting out will not affect your other interactions with our services. HubSpot Email (HubSpot, Inc.) HubSpot Email is an email address management and message sending service provided by HubSpot, Inc. Personal Data processed: email address; Usage Data. Place of processing: United States – Privacy Policy . User Database Management This type of service allows the Owner to build user profiles by starting from an email address, a personal name, or other information that the User provides to this Application, as well as to track User activities through analytics features. This Personal Data may also be matched with publicly available information about the User (such as social networks’ profiles) and used to build private profiles that the Owner can display and use for improving this Application. Some of these services may also enable the sending of timed messages to the User, such as emails based on specific actions performed on this Application. HubSpot CRM (HubSpot, Inc.) HubSpot CRM is a User database management service provided by HubSpot, Inc. Personal Data processed: email address; phone number; various types of Data as specified in the privacy policy of the service. Place of processing: United States – Privacy Policy . HubSpot Lead Management (HubSpot, Inc.) HubSpot Lead Management is a User database management service provided by HubSpot, Inc. Personal Data processed: various types of Data as specified in the privacy policy of the service. Place of processing: United States – Privacy Policy . The rights of Users Users may exercise certain rights regarding their Data processed by the Owner. In particular, Users have the right to do the following: Withdraw their consent at any time. Users have the right to withdraw consent where they have previously given their consent to the processing of their Personal Data. Object to processing of their Data. Users have the right to object to the processing of their Data if the processing is carried out on a legal basis other than consent. Further details are provided in the dedicated section below. Access their Data. Users have the right to learn if Data is being processed by the Owner, obtain disclosure regarding certain aspects of the processing and obtain a copy of the Data undergoing processing. Verify and seek rectification. Users have the right to verify the accuracy of their Data and ask for it to be updated or corrected. Restrict the processing of their Data. Users have the right, under certain circumstances, to restrict the processing of their Data. In this case, the Owner will not process their Data for any purpose other than storing it. Have their Personal Data deleted or otherwise removed. Users have the right, under certain circumstances, to obtain the erasure of their Data from the Owner. Receive their Data and have it transferred to another controller. Users have the right to receive their Data in a structured, commonly used and machine readable format and, if technically feasible, to have it transmitted to another controller without any hindrance. This provision is applicable provided that the Data is processed by automated means and that the processing is based on the User’s consent, on a contract which the User is part of or on pre-contractual obligations thereof. Lodge a complaint. Users have the right to bring a claim before their competent data protection authority. Details about the right to object to processing Where Personal Data is processed for a public interest, in the exercise of an official authority vested in the Owner or for the purposes of the legitimate interests pursued by the Owner, Users may object to such processing by providing a ground related to their particular situation to justify the objection. Users must know that, however, should their Personal Data be processed for direct marketing purposes, they can object to that processing at any time without providing any justification. To learn, whether the Owner is processing Personal Data for direct marketing purposes, Users may refer to the relevant sections of this document. How to exercise these rights Any requests to exercise User rights can be directed to the Owner through the contact details provided in this document. These requests can be exercised free of charge and will be addressed by the Owner as early as possible and always within one month. Cookie policy This Application uses Trackers. To learn more, the User may consult the Cookie Policy . Additional information about Data collection and processing Legal action The User’s Personal Data may be used for legal purposes by the Owner in Court or in the stages leading to possible legal action arising from improper use of this Application or the related Services.The User declares to be aware that the Owner may be required to reveal personal data upon request of public authorities. Additional information about User’s Personal Data In addition to the information contained in this privacy policy, this Application may provide the User with additional and contextual information concerning particular Services or the collection and processing of Personal Data upon request. System logs and maintenance For operation and maintenance purposes, this Application and any third-party services may collect files that record interaction with this Application (System logs) use other Personal Data (such as the IP Address) for this purpose. Information not contained in this policy More details concerning the collection or processing of Personal Data may be requested from the Owner at any time. Please see the contact information at the beginning of this document. How “Do Not Track” requests are handled This Application does not support “Do Not Track” requests.To determine whether any of the third-party services it uses honor the “Do Not Track” requests, please read their privacy policies. Changes to this privacy policy The Owner reserves the right to make changes to this privacy policy at any time by notifying its Users on this page and possibly within this Application and/or – as far as technically and legally feasible – sending a notice to Users via any contact information available to the Owner. It is strongly recommended to check this page often, referring to the date of the last modification listed at the bottom.Should the changes affect processing activities performed on the basis of the User’s consent, the Owner shall collect new consent from the User, where required.

Discover how Ready Rangers, an innovative after-school STEM program, inspires creativity and curiosity in lifelong learners. Join Ready Rangers now! Ready Rangers An innovative after-school STEM program designed to inspire creativity, curiosity, and lifelong learning. Ready Rangers is PAST Foundation’s after-school STEM program designed specifically for PreK–3rd grade students. Through hands-on exploration, creative problem-solving, and playful discovery, Ready Rangers introduces young learners to the exciting worlds of science, technology, engineering, and math in a space built for curiosity. What Makes Ready Rangers Unique? Safe, Supportive, Inclusive Every child is encouraged to be curious and creative in a secure and supportive environment. Interactive STEM Curriculum Designed specifically for young learners to engage deeply with Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics. Real-World Connections Students build foundational STEM habits—like questioning, observing, collaborating, and creating—that prepare them to thrive in school and beyond. Why Ready Rangers A quick look at the heart and impact of our program, featuring voices from students, families, and educators. Program Snapshot Interested in bringing Ready Rangers to your school or organization? Contact Us Grades PreK–3rd Cost Free Schedule Varies by location Location PAST Innovation Lab This is a great opportunity for them to explore things to find subjects that they have never known about to learn from those subjects and to say yeah this is something I love.” — Jennifer Kyre (Instructor) What People Are Saying My youngest child loves science but since he's been a ready Rangers it's like he's obsessed with planets he loves planets he loves the solar system he loves learning about astronauts he was introduced to that stuff through his exploration with the Ready Rangers program” — Paulasia Johnson (Parent) What People Are Saying Ready Rangers is just the most fun experience I've had in school.” — Tahj (student) What People Are Saying Support the Program Ready Rangers is completely free for families, thanks to the support of grants, partners, and generous donors. Want to help us bring this program to more schools and students? Donate to PAST Foundation Become a Partner

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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

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Join the PAST Team and help us reimagine education. Explore open positions and join our passionate, collaborative organization today! Join the PAST Team We’re always looking for passionate, curious, and collaborative people to help us reimagine education. Whether you’re interested in teaching, designing programs, or supporting our operations, there may be a role for you at PAST! Open Positions At PAST, you’ll join a collaborative, curious, and mission-driven team. Whether we’re designing new programs, mentoring students, or building partnerships, we lead with creativity, purpose, and a shared belief that education can (and should) be better. We post full-time, part-time, and seasonal roles throughout the year. Check back regularly for new opportunities. We don’t have any open positions at the moment, but we’re always building new opportunities. Check back soon, follow us on social media, or subscribe to our newsletter to be the first to know when we’re hiring. Newsletter What It’s Like to Work at PAST We believe learning should be joyful, meaningful, and connected to the real world, and that goes for our workplace, too. Meet the Team At PAST, you’ll join a collaborative, curious, and mission-driven team. We lead with creativity, purpose, and a shared belief that education can (and should) be better. Whether we’re designing new programs, mentoring students, or building partnerships.

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.

Jessa Goldner Assistant Director of Student Experiences Jessa has dedicated her post college career to National Service and spent the past three years engaging with and assisting diverse communities throughout the country. This work was inspired by her time at The Ohio State University. Jessa found a love for informal education while working at Great Smoky Mountains Institute at Tremont as a Community Engagement Coordinator. In this role she gained experience in leading hands-on routines of learning and the importance the outdoors play in an individual’s health and well being. Jessa is passionate about utilizing the natural world as a learning laboratory and as a place to expand on social and emotional competencies in order to create more authentic leaders. She desires to bring these routines to students and working to bring more environmental and natural history programs to PAST programming. Jessa received a B.S. in Anthropological Sciences and continues to solve problems using the methods and ideas she learned while completing her degree. In her free time, Jessa likes to go hiking, embroider, see live music, and eat great food.

Discover how you can make a difference by volunteering at PAST Foundation . Volunteer today to support our impactful programs. Volunteer Volunteers play an important role in the success of our programs, events, and everyday operations. Whether you're looking to share your time, talents, or expertise, there may be opportunities to support our mission and help connect learning to life. What Volunteering Might Look Like While our volunteer needs vary throughout the year, opportunities may include: Helping with events or special programs Supporting student experiences or school partnerships Assisting with outreach or administrative projects Sharing expertise or mentoring in your field Have a skill or idea you’d like to offer? Let us know. We’re always open to new possibilities. Ready to Get Started? If you're interested in volunteering with PAST, we’d love to learn more about you. Reach Out to Our Team

Discover diverse student experiences that bring real-world application of skills to life. Explore our programs and see what people are saying! We offer a variety of engaging student experiences to provide opportunities for real world application of skills and knowledge. PAST Student Experiences unlock student potential through innovative, hands-on opportunities that link learning to life. Our dedicated team designs, tests, and delivers a wide array of engaging summer programs, after-school offerings, and community events. With a passion for connecting students to culturally relevant challenges, we collaborate with professionals and partners to create meaningful learning experiences that truly come alive. Student Experiences Explore Our Programs After School & Summer Programs STEM enrichment that inspires creativity outside the classroom. Students gain skills and confidence through problem-solving, collaboration, and play-based exploration. Reimagining summer learning through immersive, hands-on experiences. Whether exploring robotics, solving design challenges, or investigating local ecosystems, students engage in culturally relevant activities that make learning exciting and fun. Learn More Community Events From Maker Mania to public showcases, our events bring families, educators, and students together to experience the power of STEM in action. Learn More Ready Rangers A PAST-powered adventure for younger learners, helping children build early skills in STEM, teamwork, and problem-solving through themed challenges and imaginative play. Learn More Microschools Powered by PAST Flexible, personalized learning environments tailored to local needs. Our microschools are built in partnership with communities and focus on design-based learning, student voice, and STEM integration. Learn More Workforce Development designed for students Real-world skills start here. PAST Workforce Development introduces students to career pathways and workforce readiness through applied STEM challenges, soft skill development, and industry exposure. Learn More CORI Center of Robotics Innovation An initiative focused on student-led research, giving learners the chance to tackle real community issues through science, design, and inquiry. Learn More Columbus EcosySTEM Connecting students across Central Ohio with mentorships, field experiences, and design challenges. This growing initiative opens doors to future opportunities. Learn More Metrobots Our nationally recognized robotics team fosters innovation, collaboration, and technical expertise for students ready to compete and grow in a high-performance team environment. Learn More PAST Innovation Labs Rolling Innovations: Exploration of Sphero Robotics PAST Innovation Labs Sawdust Scholars: A Basic Woodworking Introduction PAST Innovation Labs Curious Critters: Nature Exploration PAST Innovation Labs Bricks in Motion: LEGO Stopmotion PAST Innovation Labs Junior Tech Explorers: Arduino Robotics Rolling Innovations: Exploration of Sphero Robotics PAST Innovation Labs Rolling Innovations: Exploration of Sphero Robotics PAST Innovation Labs Sawdust Scholars: A Basic Woodworking Introduction PAST Innovation Labs Curious Critters: Nature Exploration PAST Innovation Labs Bricks in Motion: LEGO Stopmotion PAST Innovation Labs Junior Tech Explorers: Arduino Robotics Rolling Innovations: Exploration of Sphero Robotics PAST Innovation Labs Rolling Innovations: Exploration of Sphero Robotics PAST Innovation Labs Sawdust Scholars: A Basic Woodworking Introduction PAST Innovation Labs Curious Critters: Nature Exploration PAST Innovation Labs Bricks in Motion: LEGO Stopmotion PAST Innovation Labs Junior Tech Explorers: Arduino Robotics Rolling Innovations: Exploration of Sphero Robotics PAST Innovation Labs Rolling Innovations: Exploration of Sphero Robotics PAST Innovation Labs Sawdust Scholars: A Basic Woodworking Introduction PAST Innovation Labs Curious Critters: Nature Exploration PAST Innovation Labs Bricks in Motion: LEGO Stopmotion PAST Innovation Labs Junior Tech Explorers: Arduino Robotics Rolling Innovations: Exploration of Sphero Robotics PAST Innovation Labs Rolling Innovations: Exploration of Sphero Robotics PAST Innovation Labs Sawdust Scholars: A Basic Woodworking Introduction PAST Innovation Labs Curious Critters: Nature Exploration PAST Innovation Labs Bricks in Motion: LEGO Stopmotion PAST Innovation Labs Junior Tech Explorers: Arduino Robotics Rolling Innovations: Exploration of Sphero Robotics Our son was very enthusiastic about building a computer. It was one of the highlights of his summer. Our daughter absolutely loved forensics and is considering it as a future career option.” — 2023 Summer Parent What People Are Saying No comparison. Your courses were everything and more than advertised. You quickly overcame technical issues, were highly organized, and set clear expectations. Kids were engaged the entire time and having so much fun they didn't want to quit.” — 2020 Summer Parent What People Are Saying It has been an absolute pleasure working with you guys.” — Alex, Partner and Volunteer (Formula Buckeyes, The Ohio State Formula SAE Team What People Are Saying I'm pretty impressed with all the stuff I have learned, and there's so many more things that I do not know how to do just yet, but I'm pretty sure I'll learn them here." — Dean, Student What People Are Saying Thank you so much for providing this opportunity! This was my child's first coding class and real first virtual class. We are all learning as we go in this new reality and this was a great gentle entry into online learning for him. You were generous, kind, and patient. Thank you again!” — Parent What People Are Saying Frequently Asked Questions What ages or grade levels can participate in PAST student experiences? Our programs serve a wide range of students, from early learners to high schoolers, depending on the program. Each opportunity includes age or grade level guidelines on its detail page. What types of groups does the PAST Student Experience team work with? The PAST Student Experience team collaborates with a variety of groups, including students of all ages, professionals, community partners, community groups and events (such as cub scouts, after school clubs, family nights, etc) and more. What types of activities do students do in these programs? Students might build prototypes, explore coding and robotics, conduct real-world research, or solve community challenges—always hands-on and always connected to real-world learning. How long are the programs, and where are they held? Program length varies. Summer programs typically run 1–2 weeks, while after-school programs run throughout the semester. Locations include the PAST Innovation Lab and partner schools across Central Ohio. Are your programs accessible to students with different needs or learning styles? Yes. We strive to create inclusive, supportive learning environments. If your child has specific needs, reach out and we’ll work together to make accommodations. What does it cost to participate? Many of our programs are free or low-cost thanks to generous funders and partners. Check the individual program pages for details or contact us (link to contact page) for help. Do you offer financial support for your programs? Scholarship availability varies by program. We encourage you to contact us directly to inquire about scholarships for the specific program you are interested in. Our team will be happy to provide details about current opportunities and eligibility. When does summer registration open? Registration for our summer programs opens the last Saturday in January. Check the Summer Programs page or sign up for our newsletter to get notified as soon as registration goes live. How do I register my student for a summer program? Once registration is open, you can view available programs and register through our online portal, Arly. For more information on registering, visit our Summer Programs page. I’m a community partner or business—how can I support student experiences? We’re always looking for industry professionals, mentors, sponsors, and collaborators. Reach out using the contact form below! Powered by Our Partners Our Summer Programs are made possible by our incredible community of supporters. Stay Connected Whether you’re a parent, student, educator, or potential partner, we’d love to hear from you! First name* Last name* Which best describes you?* Message* Submit Join Our Newsletter Volunteer With Us View Upcoming Events

Discover how we're Building the Future of Learning, One Experience at a Time. Join our mission to transform education with innovative experiences. Building the Future of Learning, One Experience at a Time Who We Are What started as a question—how can we connect scientific research to classrooms and communities? —has grown into a national hub for educational innovation, partnering with schools, industries, and nonprofits across the country. Since 2000, PAST Foundation has been designing and delivering real-world learning experiences that prepare students and educators for the future of work. PAST connects education, business, and community to create hands-on, problem-based learning that is engaging, equitable, and grounded in research. From Microschools and teacher training to student STEM camps and national evaluation projects, we work to ensure learning is meaningful, measurable, and transformative. Our Mission By Partnering Anthropology with Science and Technology, we invite the world to design, construct, and engage in experiences that link learning to life. Our Vision To join forces with community, industry, and educators, integrating education to encompass transdisciplinary teaching and learning to better reflect relevant real-world experience. What We Believe Linking learning to life is more than a tagline. It’s our commitment. We believe real-world learning equips people of all ages to thrive in their careers, communities, and daily lives. Grounded in research and shaped by hands-on experience, our approach is built to be relevant, equitable, and transformative. We’re committed to building a future of learning that is inclusive, innovative, and empowering—rooted in equity, guided by evidence, and created in partnership with the communities we serve. Our DEI Commitment Diversity, equity, and inclusion are essential to our mission. We are committed to listening, learning, and taking meaningful action to ensure all learners and educators feel seen, supported, and inspired. This includes amplifying underrepresented voices, designing inclusive learning experiences, and continuously improving our practices to reflect the needs of our communities. Anthropology + STEM = Engaged Student Learning Our Process Our model—Anthropology + STEM = Robust Ecosystems of Learning—is the foundation of everything we do. Our team includes anthropologists, researchers, and educators who understand that schools and communities are complex systems. We believe that meaningful change begins by understanding how those systems function. Through coaching, consulting, and collaboration, we help schools and partners implement transdisciplinary, problem-based STEM education. Our approach increases teacher engagement, deepens student learning, and strengthens community involvement. By collaborating with teachers, school leaders, and community partners, we help create learning environments that connect classroom instruction to real-world challenges and prepare students for future careers. Our Reach Our work has been honored by the U.S. Department of Education, Forbes, and others. 3.2+ million students impacted 24,000+ educators engaged 500+ industry and community partners 1,000+ districts influenced 596 programs at 120+ locations What’s Next? Learn how we bring this mission to life through immersive programs, applied research, and powerful partnerships. Partner with PAST See Educator Offerings Explore Student Programs View Our Research

Advanced CTE and Credentials Matter for Fab Fundamentals This curriculum aligns closely with Advanced CTE (Career & Technical Education) principles and expectations—particularly within clusters such as Advanced Manufacturing and Digital Technology—by integrating rigorous technical skills, project management, digital communication, and hands-on technology with career readiness and academic standards. Project Management & Communication CTE Standards: Emphasize planning, documentation, collaboration, and the use of digital tools—core to high-quality career pathway programs in Advanced Manufacturing and Management & Entrepreneurship clusters. Performance Indicators: Developing proposals, effective digital documentation, and using version control directly reflect project-based learning and workplace readiness; these skills form the backbone of CTE employability. 2D/3D CAD, Design, and Fabrication Technical Skills: Selection and application of CAD tools, understanding fabrication workflows, modeling for subtractive/additive manufacturing, and image/video compression are all central technical proficiencies called for in Advanced Manufacturing and Digital Technology career clusters. Work-Based Learning: The curriculum integrates hands-on application, mirroring work-based learning experiences recommended by CTE models, helping students develop industry-aligned competencies and technical skill proficiency. 3D Printing, Scanning, Molding & Casting Industry Readiness: Exposure to additive manufacturing, digital object scanning, and molding/casting deepens students’ understanding of modern engineering, industrial processes, and quality assurance—aligning directly with CTE standards for process development, automation, and engineering design. STEM Integration: Material sciences, process optimization, and troubleshooting are embedded in the curriculum, supporting CTE’s goal of STEM integration and career pathways in advanced manufacturing and digital fabrication. Digital Documentation & Web Development Communication and Collaboration: Maintaining personal portfolios, developing web content, and implementing version control protocols support digital communication production and project management standards in CTE’s Common Career Technical Core. Entrepreneurship and Career Readiness: Students build employability and entrepreneurial skills by documenting entire project lifecycles, a key metric for career readiness and advanced CTE. Capstone Projects and Performance Indicators Applied, Project-Based Assessment: Emphasizing capstone project development aligns with CTE’s “performance metric” approach—competency demonstrated via real-world project completion, documentation, and presentation. Certification and Pathways: The curriculum supports coherent course sequences and industry-aligned skills necessary for certifications and progression into advanced study or technical careers. Credentials Matter In summary, this curriculum embodies the principles and practices of Advanced CTE by fusing academic rigor, technical proficiency, project-based learning, and career readiness metrics. It provides students with directly transferable skills for high-demand career pathways, while simultaneously integrating STEM, digital technology, and industry-driven standards—fulfilling both local and national requirements for modern career and technical education. Focus on Industry-Recognized Credentials Credentials of Value: The skills taught—project management, CAD, digital fabrication, version control, additive manufacturing, and documentation—are foundational for stackable, portable industry credentials in manufacturing, design, and digital technology (e.g., Autodesk, Adobe, SME Additive Manufacturing). Work-Based Assessment: Capstone projects, digital portfolios, and knowledge demonstrations mirror the authentic assessments required by high-quality credentials and modern CTE programs. Career and Postsecondary Readiness Career Ready Practices: The curriculum’s emphasis on project proposals, documentation, web/portfolio development, and communication mirrors the “career ready” skills portion of the Common Career Technical Core—the foundation for most state credential systems. Stackable Pathways: Skill progression (from 2D/3D CAD basics to advanced manufacturing and project management) prepares students for multiple entry/exit points, supporting lifelong learning and career advancement through credentialed pathways. Labor Market Alignment: All major technical and project-based skills included (especially 3D printing, scanning, and digital design) respond directly to employer needs and documented skill gaps for in-demand, high-skill career sectors, maximizing labor market value of resulting credentials. Integration of Academic, Technical, and Employability Skills Three-Skill Model: The curriculum supports CTE’s desired integration of academic (critical thinking, STEM), technical (engineering, manufacturing, digital media), and employability (teamwork, communication, project documentation) skills—exactly the foundation as recommended by the Credential Matter movement and modern CTE policy. Performance Indicators: Students demonstrate mastery not only through tests but also in outcome- and evidence-based ways—as required for earning industry-recognized credentials and as recommended for modern, high-quality CTE reporting. Key Takeaways Embedded Credentialing Pathways: Coursework is mapped to current credential frameworks and prepares students for pathway-specific credentials and further education. Authentic, Market-Valued Learning: The curriculum ensures that upon completion, students are not just “exposed” to concepts but are demonstrably credential-ready with the workplace skills employers and colleges demand. Portable and Stackable Value: By preparing students for real, recognized credentials, this curriculum gives learners validated tools for entry into high-wage, high-skill fields or further technical education—fulfilling both the spirit and the requirements of the Credential Matter movement.