STEM/STEAM Designation
How Does a School Become a STEM or STEAM School?
Ohio’s STEM and STEAM Designation recognizes schools that exemplify innovative, real-world learning and prepare students for future success through rigorous, transdisciplinary instruction. Schools apply for designation through the Ohio STEM Committee, a group of state and community leaders responsible for awarding this recognition. The Ohio STEM Learning Network (OSLN) supports the Ohio Department of Education and Workforce throughout this process and provides technical assistance to schools seeking designation.
The designation application is aligned with statewide initiatives, the Ohio Quality Model for STEM and STEAM Education, and Section 3326 of Ohio law, ensuring that schools meet rigorous expectations for culture, instruction, and career connected learning. Together, these efforts help cultivate learning environments that inspire innovation, strengthen community partnerships, and equip Ohio’s students for a rapidly evolving future.
Rubric: What great STEM and STEAM learning looks like in schools
The Ohio STEM and STEAM Designation Rubric provides the foundation for evaluating schools seeking designation, outlining the attributes aligned with statewide initiatives, the Ohio Quality Model for STEM and STEAM Education, and Ohio law.
Updated in February 2026, the rubric guides schools in demonstrating high-quality STEM and STEAM practices across culture, instruction, and career domains.
Already designated?
Read the STEM and STEAM Redesignation timeline
Years 0-3
- Schools hold their STEM or STEAM Designation for five years
- Schools can find their next designation year by reviewing the timeline published by the Ohio Department of Education and Workforce (link)
Year 4
- Written applications open at the end of the 4th year of designation
- OSLN works on scheduling site visits by the end of the 4th year of designation
Year 5
- Site visits typically take place in September-February of the 5th year of designation
- The application deadline is the 1st day of the month prior to the scheduled site visit month
- The Ohio STEM Committee votes on OSLN’s recommendation by the end of the school’s 5th year, completing the re‑designation cycle.
Seeking initial designation?
What schools need to know
June
Applications open in SlideRoom
December
Deadline to submit the required Intent to Apply form. The form will be posted to this page when available.
February
Deadline to complete the application in SlideRoom
March–May
Site visits are conducted during this period
May
The Ohio STEM Committee votes on OSLN’s recommendations for initial STEM and STEAM designation
Quality model: STEM and STEAM Education in any context
Ohio defines STEM education as an inclusive, learner-centered, inquiry-based approach that integrates content disciplines to drive critical thinking, solution design, and evidence-based reasoning through real-world experiences, while fostering innovation and STEM career exploration through community partnerships.
The Ohio Quality Model for STEM and STEAM Education provides a clear, statewide framework to help schools design, implement, and sustain high-quality, student-centered STEM and STEAM learning. It serves as a guiding foundation for schools committed to innovation, real world learning, and transformative educational practices.
Rubric: What great STEM and STEAM learning looks like in schools
We invite school leaders, district leaders, and instructional coaches to serve as STEM and STEAM Designation Reviewers.
Reviewers support schools across Ohio and strengthen their own practice by reviewing written applications, engaging in collaborative discussions with the review team, and participating in on site visits.
Eligible applicants are:
- currently working in or supporting a designated STEM/STEAM school, or
- are former STEM/STEAM principals.
Annual reviewer training is required to ensure consistency and quality across the process. Give back, learn from, and help advance high quality STEM education.
