A New Chapter for the Ohio STEM Learning Network

from Kelly Gaier Evans, Director of the Ohio STEM Learning Network

In 2021, we set out to triple OSLN’s reach. By FY25, we achieved exactly that—expanding from 319 to more than 1,000 schools and districts. By supporting these educators, we now deliver opportunity and inspiration to hundreds of thousands of students across Ohio. Serving as director during this period of growth has been an honor and a privilege.

Kelly SQUAREThis October, I’m transitioning to a new role at Battelle Education, where I’ll lead the implementation of our new strategic framework. I’m excited to build on what we’ve learned together and help shape an even broader vision for STEM education in Ohio and beyond.

Our Collective Impact

Together, we more than tripled our reach from 2021 to 2025:

  • Schools and districts served: 319 → 1,021
  • Educators reached: 858 → 2,722
  • Students impacted: 38,000 → 349,334

We aligned around a clear vision: Every Ohio community will have access to quality STEM education to drive our state’s economic future. Under this vision, we built a three-track strategy: Igniting STEM, Strengthening STEM, and Showcasing Model STEM.

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Building Momentum

Several milestones stand out from the past four years:

  • Securing sustainable funding. After more than a decade without state support, we secured $1.5 million annually starting in FY22, just renewed through FY27. Combined with Battelle’s matching investment, this commitment ensures long-term stability and growth.
  • Putting resources in teachers’ hands. The OSLN Classroom Grant Program, funded by grants from Battelle, has awarded 855 grants totaling $4 million. These grants empower educators to define their own STEM needs, from elementary students building camping structures to high schoolers programming robotic birds to explore mathematical concepts.
  • Launching Ohio’s first statewide STEM summit. The first Ohio STEM Innovation Summit in 2023 created space for educators to exchange best practices in person. The summit has grown from an initial concept to convening over 500 attendees at the third annual event in 2025.
  • Building comprehensive support systems. The Innovative Leaders Institute: Bridge to STEM Program and Fostering STEM Institute provide ongoing support for schools creating systems to grow their STEM practices. Meanwhile, our reimagined Design Challenge has evolved into a multi-level industry partnership strategy spanning state, regional, and local levels, connecting STEM schools with industry partners to provide students with authentic professional learning experiences. We partnered with Starlab (FY24-25) and are now working with the Ohio Manufacturing Association and DriveOhio (FY26-27) over the coming two-year cycle in an effort to deepen students’ understanding of the types of authentic, real-world problems professionals solve within each industry.
  • Addressing critical gaps. House Bill 110 established the State Committee on Computer Science and charged it with making recommendations to help Ohio become a national leader in computer science education. I was honored to facilitate this committee’s work, which resulted in ten key recommendations. Through this work, the state secured funding for the Teach CS program, which allowed OSLN to launch an exam-preparation program that has supported over 80 teachers on their path to full computer science licensure, addressing a known need in our educator community.

The Power of Partnership

None of this happens in isolation. I’m deeply grateful to the Ohio Department of Education & Workforce, Battelle, the Ohio Manufacturing Association, DriveOhio, Starlab, Code.org, our educational service center partners, and the countless industry partners who serve as judges and hosts. 

I’ve learned so much by working alongside our seven regional STEM hubs (Akron Public Schools, the PAST Foundation, Dayton Regional STEM School, North Point Educational Service Center, Bowling Green State University’s Northwest Ohio Center of Excellence, the Voinovich School & Ohio University Museum Complex, and the Greater Cincinnati STEM Collaborative) to build statewide access to STEM education. Thank you all for your leadership.

Looking Ahead

Sandra Wilder will now guide OSLN as Director. Over the past four years, Sandra and I have worked side by side to shape the network’s strategy. She created the Fostering STEM Institute and Innovative Leaders Institute: Bridge to STEM Program and has managed the state STEM designation process. Her deep knowledge makes her the ideal leader for this next phase.

Under Sandra’s leadership, OSLN will broaden support for schools building new STEM programs while deepening our emphasis on career-connected learning. You’ll hear more from Sandra soon.

With Gratitude

My journey with OSLN has been defined by people who pour their hearts into this work. From classroom teachers to industry partners, you’ve demonstrated the power of partnership in transforming STEM education. I’ll continue to support the network in an advisory capacity and look forward to watching OSLN reach even greater heights.

Thank you for allowing me to be part of this remarkable community.

With gratitude,
Kelly Gaier Evans