What STEM Education Means in Ohio
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.
How STEM Supports Ohio's Education Priorities
STEM education directly supports the Department’s priorities of literacy achievement, accelerating learning, student wellness, and workforce readiness. In STEM classrooms, students build reading, writing, and communication skills by using them in meaningful, real-world problem solving. Hands-on, interdisciplinary learning helps students make quicker progress and strengthens their confidence as learners. STEM also promotes student wellness by creating engaging, supportive environments where students take ownership of their learning. Through authentic projects and connections to local partners, students gain the knowledge and skills needed to move confidently toward future career opportunities.
Preparing Students for Their Future and Ohio's Future
STEM education helps students build the skills they need for success in life and in the workplace. By working on real problems and exploring career paths, students practice critical thinking, creativity, collaboration, and technology skills that matter in every field. These learning experiences also support Ohio’s economic growth. As students become innovative thinkers and problem solvers, they help fill the state’s growing workforce needs and strengthen Ohio’s ability to compete and thrive in a rapidly changing world.
Discover Ohio's STEM Community and Opportunities
To learn more about STEM school designation, professional learning, and statewide opportunities, visit the Ohio STEM Learning Network. As a public‑private partnership between the Ohio Department of Education and Workforce and Battelle, the network supports schools, educators, and communities across the state. Their website offers tools, resources, and events to help you grow high‑quality STEM learning in your school or district.
Use the circular graphic and buttons below to navigate to the Ohio Department of Education's STEM Education website:
- Ohio Quality Model for STEM and STEAM Education: A framework that provides additional context and guidance around creating a culture for learning, innovating learning and teaching practices, and creating pathways to success in careers.
- STEM and STEAM Designation: A list and map of the current STEM and STEAM Designated Schools, the Rubric used to assess applications, and additional information about each year's application cycle.
- STEM Financial Reporting: Financial forecasts for the eight Independent STEM Schools in Ohio.
- STEM Committee: A list of the members of the committee and recorded meeting minutes.
Resources
STEM Contact Information
Please email STEM@education.ohio.gov
Last Modified: 6/11/2026 11:02:42 AM