On March 4, 2026, innovation, creativity, and student voice took center stage at the Statewide Design Challenge Showcase, hosted at Battelle. The event brought together the top 21 highest-scoring student teams from across Ohio, along with the Sticker Design Contest winners from each grade band, for a day dedicated to celebrating problem-solving and the future of STEM in our state.
Organized by the Ohio STEM Learning Network (OSLN), in partnership with Ohio Manufacturers’ Association and DriveOhio, the annual Statewide Design Challenge invites K–12 students to tackle real-world problems through hands-on, collaborative STEM learning. For many schools, the challenge serves as an entry point into high-quality STEM education, connecting classroom learning to authentic issues while building critical skills like teamwork, resilience, and systems thinking.
The 2025–2026 challenge: #STEMmovesOhio
This year’s challenge, #STEMmovesOhio, asked students to explore a complex, real-world question:
How do we improve aspects of electric transportation to enhance the movement of people and things across Ohio?
Students approached this challenge with creativity and determination, designing solutions focused on electric vehicles, drones, and advanced air transportation. Their work spanned battery design, manufacturing, supply chains, vehicle integration, customer experience, and societal impact, demonstrating that young innovators are ready to tackle the big questions of tomorrow.
The challenge was made possible through partnerships with the Ohio Manufacturers’ Association and DriveOhio, connecting student ideas directly to Ohio’s manufacturing and mobility ecosystem.
A statewide celebration of student work
The March 4 showcase marked the culmination of months of dedicated work. After advancing through state-level judging, the top 21 teams earned the opportunity to present their solutions in person at Battelle’s headquarters.
Throughout the day, students:
- Shared their designs with scientists, engineers, and industry leaders
- Engaged in meaningful conversations about manufacturing, transportation, education, and research
- Heard from inspiring speakers, including keynote Diane Vitas, Aviation Program Chair at Wright State University, who highlighted opportunities in aviation and STEM careers
- Connected their ideas to real-world careers during lunch discussions
- Celebrated their creativity alongside peers from across the state
Sticker Design Contest winners were also recognized, showcasing artwork inspired by #STEMmovesOhio. Their designs will be shared statewide, spreading student creativity far beyond the showcase itself.
Schools and teams leading the way
We were proud to welcome student teams and educators from schools across Ohio, representing diverse communities and regions of the state.
This year’s Statewide Design Challenge also recognized the highest‑scoring teams in each grade band. Congratulations to the following schools for earning the top awards for their innovative, student‑driven solutions:
- Elementary School: Monroeville Elementary School — Monroeville, OH
- Middle School: Glandorf Elementary School — Ottawa, OH
- High School: Marysville Early College High School — Marysville, OH
In addition, all 21 finalist teams exemplified innovation, collaboration, and a passion for STEM. Each student left a mark on the future of science, technology, and engineering in Ohio.
- Marysville Early College High School
- Glandorf Elementary
- Northeast Ohio Impact Academy
- Van Buren ElementaryÂ
- Chillicothe Intermediate SchoolÂ
- Alum Creek Elementary
- The Dayton Regional STEM School
- St. Paul Elementary
- Monroeville Elementary School
- Hillview ElementaryÂ
- Columbia Middle School
- Hoffman Trails Elementary
- Ironton Middle School – Collins Career Technical Center
- Columbian High School – Tiffin
- Unioto Elementary
- SCOPE Academy
- Kinder Garden School-West Chester
- East Canton High School
- Metro Early College High School
- Summit Road STEM Elementary School
- St. Mary’s School
- Fairbanks High School-Sticker Winner
- Licking Heights Middle School-Sticker Winner
- Ottawa Elementary School-Sticker Winner
Looking ahead
As we celebrate the achievements of the 2026 showcase teams, sticker designers, educators, and partners, we’re reminded of what’s possible when schools and industry work together to elevate student voice and innovation.
Congratulations to all who participated in making the 2026 Statewide Design Challenge Showcase a success. We look forward to continuing this work and welcoming even more students into the challenge next year!
