It’s time to celebrate the innovative minds of Ohio’s students as we announce the regional hub winners of the 2026 #STEMmovesOhio Statewide Design Challenge and the Sticker Design Contest! Each year, we are amazed by the creativity, curiosity, and problem-solving skills students bring to this experience. This year’s challenge truly showcased the innovative thinking happening in classrooms statewide.
All students participating in this year’s #STEMmovesOhio Design Challenge were asked a thought-provoking question: How do we improve aspects of electric transportation to improve the movement of people and things? Develop a plan, system or product that addresses the future of electric vehicles, drones, and advanced air transportation systems in the state of Ohio.
Participants were encouraged to explore electric vehicles, drones, advanced air transportation systems, and other creative ideas that could transform mobility in Ohio. Students translated their thinking into plans, systems, or products that not only address real-world challenges but also showcase how STEM drives innovation and problem-solving.
Through this challenge, students at every grade level imagined the future of mobility, prototyped their solutions, and strengthened skills in creativity, critical thinking, and communication. Many participants advanced from school-level competitions to present their innovative work to regional judges, gaining confidence and experience in reflecting on their ideas. This year, hundreds of students from across Ohio submitted entries, highlighting the breadth of talent and curiosity in classrooms statewide.
The Ohio STEM Learning Network, in collaboration with the Ohio Manufacturers’ Association and DriveOhio, hosts this annual statewide design challenge, inviting schools across Ohio to participate. To involve your school in future challenges, sign up for emails from the network.
Sticker Design Contest Winners
In addition to the main design challenge, students were invited to participate in the Sticker Design Contest where they could visually respond to the central question. Students were encouraged to communicate their ideas creatively, using symbols, illustrations, and bold designs to show how electric transportation can shape the future.
We are excited to recognize one Sticker Design Contest winner from each grade band (K–5, 6–8, and 9–12). These students will be celebrated at the Design Challenge State Showcase this March, serving as a powerful reminder that the next generation of innovators is already charging ahead.
Congratulations to Our Sticker Design Winners:
- K-5th Grade Winner: KE at Ottawa Elementary – Teacher: Alison Schnipke
- 6-8th Grade Winner: GC at Licking Heights Middle School – Teacher: Lydia Raub
- 9-12th Grade Winner: SB at Fairbanks High School – Teacher: Mackenzie Segner
These students have demonstrated exceptional creativity and critical thinking, and their designs will be professionally produced and distributed.
K-5 Grade Winning Design
KE at Ottawa Elementary
Teacher: Alison Schnipke
Description: I chose this design to show the electric transportation in Ohio. I chose the color yellow for electricity and lightning bolts. I used red and blue to show Ohio’s flag colors. Lastly, I drew the same type and shape of the lightning bolt on the car and electric power station to show they belong together.
6-8th Grade Winning Design
GC at Licking Heights Middle School
Teacher: Lydia Raub
Description: This patch represents new inspiring vision of worldwide transportation. This all connects through STEM. It connects people and brings them together. It’s an endless world cycle that will continue to develop.
9-12th Grade Winning Design
SB at Fairbanks High School
Teacher: Mackenzie Segner
Description: My patch represents the evolution of electric transport over the years. From the original single cylinder, 4 stroke engine created in 1845 by Karl Benz to one of the newer Mercedes-Benz Yasa electric motors that began production in 2025, engines have powered the automobiles that have helped drive society for years. They have transported people and things in a more efficient way than anything else had for millennia before representing some of the most impactful technologies of the modern age.
Design Challenge Regional Hub Winners
We are proud to announce this year’s #STEMmovesOhio Regional Hub Winners. These submissions stood out for their creativity, clarity, and strong connection to the challenge theme. Each of these entries represents outstanding student thinking and the impact of authentic, student-centered STEM learning experiences happening across Ohio. Regions are organized according to the regional Hubs of the Ohio STEM Learning Network, which played a crucial role in recruiting schools and serving as judges.
In addition to the honorees below, state finalists will be announced later this month, highlighting more outstanding student work from across Ohio.
| Gradel Level | School | Regional Hub |
|---|---|---|
| Elementary | St Paul Elementary, Salem | Akron Region Hub Winners |
| Middle | Saint Ambrose, Brunswick | Akron Region Hub Winners |
| High | Northeast Ohio Impact Academy, Lowellville | Akron Region Hub Winners |
| Elementary | Alum Creek Elementary, Lewis Center | Central Ohio Hub Winners |
| Middle | Horizon Science Academy Middle School Columbus, Columbus | Central Ohio Hub Winners |
| High | Marysville Early College High School, Marysville | Central Ohio Hub Winners |
| High | The Dayton Regional STEM School, Kettering | Dayton Region Hub Winners |
| Elementary | Monroeville Elementary School, Monroeville | Northeast Hub Winners |
| Middle | Columbia Middle School, Columbia Station | Northeast Hub Winners |
| Elementary | Van Buren Elementary, Van Buren | Northwest Hub Winners |
| Middle | Glandorf Elementary, Glandorf | Northwest Hub Winners |
| High | Tiffin Columbian, Tiffin | Northwest Hub Winners |
| Elementary | Chillicothe Intermediate - grade 4, Chillicothe | Southeast Hub Winners |
| Middle | Chillicothe Intermediate - grade 6, Chillicothe | Southeast Hub Winners |
| Elementary | Kinder Garden School, West Chester | Southwest Hub Winners |
We are thrilled to honor the creativity, innovation, and hard work of Ohio’s students. Congratulations to all participants, winners, and educators who made this challenge possible!