The OSLN, launched on January 30, 2008, is a privately-supported, non-profit initiative that will work collaboratively with stakeholders to enhance everyday teaching and learning. Its primary goal is to advance high-quality STEM education for all students in Ohio

 

The initiative’s first step includes assisting the State of Ohio with the launch of five regional STEM-based public schools targeting low income and minority students. In real numbers, the OSLN will initially help train and connect more than 100,000 students to Ohio jobs in the new “solutions” economy.

 

Guided by the objectives established by its investors, the Network works in collaboration with national, state, regional and local partners to:

1. Enhance STEM teaching and learning capacity in alignment with statewide direction as
   set by the STEM Subcommittee of the Ohio Partnership for Continued Learning (STEM Subcommittee).
2. Accelerate existing and emerging STEM initiatives such as STEM start-up schools and STEM Programs of Excellence.
3. Create a network-based infrastructure that advances STEM education, connects and drives sustainable STEM education initiatives, and fosters statewide education innovation.

The OSLN will be managed by Battelle and a team of affiliated entities. In tandem, Battelle will also serve as an “intermediary” to the STEM Subcommittee, as enabled by Am. Sub. H.B. 119, Ohio’s biennial budget. In this “intermediary” capacity, Battelle will provide technical assistance and expertise to the STEM Subcommittee as it works to make grant awards for the creation of STEM “Schools” and “Programs of Excellence”. (Read Battelle’s January 24, 2008 presentation to the STEM Subcommittee for more details)

With a broad base of partners, the OSLN is poised to offer the following types of assistance to regions across Ohio:

• Funding to STEM schools and programs that are designed to:
  • Enhance the region’s STEM access, quality and impact.
  • Drive a new business model for a school or program that is shared by a robust base of partners working to find innovative ways to improve teaching and learning.
  • Develop lasting committed partnerships among stakeholders in Pre-K-12 education, higher education and business that redefine the relationship between education and economic growth in Ohio.
    
• Technical assistance in mobilizing and building STEM-education schools and programs that are:
• Aligned to the program design principles embraced by the STEM Subcommittee and more than $12.5 million in state funding contained in Ohio’s biennial budget for STEM “Schools” and “Programs of Excellence”.
• Working within regions to increase STEM awareness and commitment among critical stakeholders including Pre-K-12 education, higher education, business and civic leaders.
• Expertise with the design of STEM schools and programs that work to achieve regional scalability and impact.
• Assistance in discovering and developing public-private partnerships that engage P-16 education systems and business, strengthening ties between both education and economic development.
  

Contact OSLN for more information.