STEM Rural Ohio Fellowship

Elevating the self-efficacy and STEM capacity of all rural Ohio educators

Rural teachers, join a cohort of teachers building locally-relevant lessons that inspire students and make a difference.

Educators know that learning is at its best when students can find a personal connection to their work.  The year-long STEM Rural Ohio Fellowship is open to any rural educator in the state of Ohio.

With a cohort of other rural educators, participants will learn about their local STEM educational landscape. They will reflect on community challenges and make new connections. By the conclusion of the program, the study of place-based learning will guide teachers in developing new targeted solutions to address current needs in their home communities.

The program combines a statewide cohort with in-person workshops in Southeast Ohio throughout the year. 

This cohort has made me realize the importance of connecting with the community and what a difference it can make in the lives of my students...it is a safe space to try out new ideas for your classes and discover new ideas that will take your lessons to new, positive, interactive places you didn't know existed.
Kerry Bullock
Alexander Jr. High School - Albany, Ohio
This cohort is for teachers that want to expand their thinking. We want kids to think outside the box and that's exactly the kind of teacher who should join this cohort.
Jill Schumaker
Ottawa Elementary School - Ottawa Ohio

Fellowship experience

During the year-long STEM Rural Ohio Fellowship, the participants will complete an in-depth learning experience including:
  • multiple workshops, held in Southeast Ohio, to explore STEM best practices for your classroom
  • virtual “booster” sessions to support classroom place-based learning
  • collaborative experiences to connect with STEM leaders and veteran teachers to build a professional network

Outcomes

  • Engage parents and community in your STEM lessons
  • Integrate STEM best practices into classroom lessons
  • Leverage community and business partnerships to build new connections for students
  • Create place-based learning units that foster authentic learning
  • Join a network of other rural STEM educators to share solutions
  • Optional: Earn graduate credit from Kent State University
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Program details

Applications closed July 1, 2024

Eligibility

Applicants must:

Teachers are encouraged to apply with a partner. 

Expectations

Thanks to Ohio’s generous support of the Ohio STEM Learning Network, the $1,250.00 program fee for the 2024-2025 STEM Rural Ohio Fellowship is waived.

The program expectations include:

  • Attend all meetings (virtual and in-person – see Schedule)
  • Complete all program tasks and activities
  • Create and implement a place-based learning unit during the course of the 2024-2025 school year with the support of Ohio STEM Learning Network

Fellows are eligible to apply for a $350 classroom grant to support the implementation of their place-based learning unit.

Deadlines

May 21, 2024: Priority application deadline

July 1, 2024: Applications close

Schedule

In-person workshops at Washington State Community College (710 Colegate Dr, Marietta, OH 45750, Google Maps)

  • Monday, September 9 and Tuesday, September 10
  • Friday, January 24

One-day wrap up event on April 25, 2025 at Battelle’s headquarters (505 King Ave, Columbus, OH 43201, Google Maps)

Two virtual workshops: Held after school hours. Dates to be announced.

 

Breakfast and lunch will be provided for all participants during the in-person workshops.

Applications for the STEM Rural Ohio Fellowship are currently closed.

Sign up to hear about future opportunities