MANSFIELD – F.I.R.S.T. School will be awarded two $5,000 grants to enhance STEM learning through the Ohio STEM Learning Network Classroom Grant Program, funded by philanthropy from Battelle.
This funding is part of a broader effort that has issued 194 grants this year to develop enduring, STEM-based educational projects.
Vivian Brownlow, teacher at F.I.R.S.T. School, received one of the grants for her project, Wearable Tech for Future Designers.
The project is an innovative project for Brownlow’s multi-grade level classroom that blends fashion design and engineering with a little bit of coding. Students will design and create fashion items — garments or accessories — that light up by integrating e-thread, sewable fabrics and LED lights.
The project will culminate in a “Light Up the Runway” showcase.
Brownlow expressed her gratitude for the grant.
“This is my second year receiving an OSLN Classroom Grant and I can’t thank OSLN and Battelle enough,” she said. “This grant allows me to bring technology to life for our students by connecting STEM with a universally relatable medium: fashion.
“The Wearable Tech for Future Designers project is more than just sewing circuits and making patterns; it’s about making STEM approachable, celebrating creativity and experimentation, and building students’ confidence in combining design, math and technology.
“After completing this project, the students will see themselves as future innovators in fields of fashion design and innovative ready-to-wear manufacturing.”
Chris Jones received the other grant for his project Sustainable Systems Lab, which will provide students with an immersive, interdisciplinary learning experience focused on tackling real-world sustainability challenges.
Students will use advanced smart kits including smart hydroponics, smart solar energy and a climate action kit to design, build and operate integrated environmental systems.
“We are incredibly grateful to the Ohio STEM Learning Network for awarding us this grant. The Sustainable Systems Lab is a game-changer for our students. It moves learning beyond textbooks and puts tools for real-world innovation directly into their hands,” Jones. said.
“By working with smart solar technology, hydroponics and climate data, our students aren’t just learning science, they’re becoming the next generation of engineers and problem-solvers who will design a more sustainable future for our community and beyond.”
The project also incorporates a smart soldering kit to develop foundational electrical engineering and circuit design skills.
This lab will foster systems thinking, problem-solving and STEM career readiness by empowering students to prototype innovative, sustainable solutions for food security and climate change within their own classroom.
“The inclusion of STEM projects, through the OSLN Classroom grants, throughout the school year has been a great addition to FIRST School’s culture and community,” explained F.I.R.S.T. teacher Heather McClain.
“Students are getting hands-on experiences with abstract concepts, gaining important life skills and are being trained in how to ask questions that solve complex problems. On top of troubleshooting, they are learning valuable lessons in how to work together and stretch their strengths and talents.”
Rhonda Loughman, F.I.R.S.T. School teacher, said, “The integration of STEM projects empowers our students to delve into hands-on technology exploration, effectively bridging theoretical math concepts with real-world problem-solving and application.”
A total of 165 public schools, including F.I.R.S.T., have been recognized with this prestigious award. The program has impacted students across 130 of Ohio’s school districts, spanning 68 counties.
“These grants empower Ohio educators to create dynamic learning environments where students develop the critical thinking and problem-solving skills essential for tomorrow’s challenges,” said Wes Hall, Senior Vice President of Philanthropy & Education at Battelle.
“Supporting STEM education remains central to Battelle’s mission of advancing scientific innovation and strengthening communities.”
The grant program fosters the growth of the Ohio STEM Learning Network as a public private partnership between Battelle and the State of Ohio.
Ensuring all students develop the skills to be successful in science, technology, engineering, and math (STEM) fields is Battelle’s top philanthropic priority.
“When students engage with quality STEM education, they gain access to pathways that transform families and energize local economies,” said Sandra Wilder, Director of the Ohio STEM Learning Network.
“This program connects classroom innovators to a robust network of schools, professional resources, and collaborative educators statewide.”
Awarded classrooms will receive grants of up to $5,000.
Educators interested in future awards or additional support for STEM education from the Ohio STEM Learning Network can sign up here. A complete list of awarded schools is available at this link.
Ohio STEM Learning Network
The Ohio STEM Learning Network is committed to helping the State of Ohio inspire and train the next generation of innovative leaders.
The network operates as a public-private partnership between the Ohio Department of Education & Workforce and Battelle.
About Battelle
Every day, the people of Battelle apply science and technology to solving what matters most.
At major technology centers and national laboratories around the world, Battelle conducts research and development, designs and manufactures products, and delivers critical services for government and commercial customers.
Headquartered in Columbus, Ohio since its founding in 1929, Battelle serves the national security, health and life sciences, and energy and environmental industries.
For more information, visit www.battelle.org.
Mid-Ohio Educational Service Center
Mid-Ohio Educational Service Center provides specialized academic and support services to 13 school districts and over 20,000 students in Crawford, Morrow and Richland Counties.
Client districts receive services from curriculum, gifted and special education consultants, speech pathologists, psychologists, special education teachers, occupational therapists and physical therapists.