We are a non-profit organization that is dedicated to making education better by promoting trans-disciplinary, problem-based STEM learning. The challenge, though, is that “better” is different for everyone. We see this challenge as an opportunity. We approach educational improvement from an anthropological perspective. Collectively, PAST anthropologists have over a hundred years of experience studying the complex structure of societies and their interactions, and use this expertise to understand clients’ needs. In other words, we get you. The combination of anthropology and STEM is a powerful one. We have guided entire feeder systems in their transitions to STEM learning to see remarkable improvement in a few short years, and have helped educational organizations streamline their processes to reach more students with fewer resources. We've also partnered with community organizations around the country to reach thousands of students with the concepts of problem-based, trans-disciplinary learning.
External link for PAST Foundation
1003 Kinnear Road
Columbus, OH 43212, US
Before the new year, we held our Holiday Maker Mania, filled with fun STEM activities, cookies, and music. Thank you to Roto and Youth for STEM Equity for joining us for Maker Mania Holiday 2024!
At PAST, we believe in the power of community. Above all else, we value our partners, sponsors, and families! Thanks for another amazing year of learning, growth, and inspiration. Contributions like yours shape student experiences and help fuel professional growth. Join us on our mission to link learning to life at pastfoundation.org/donate. Cheers to a new year of knowledge, growth, and endless possibilities!
This November, Green Educators Ohio gathered as a group for the first time at KIPP Columbus' Battelle Environmental Center. Jessa Goldner, the project manager, led an exercise where educators identified their core values. Understanding these values will help the group build stronger connections as they work towards EcoSchool designation. To further strengthen these relationships, new cohort members are paired with educators from last year’s group. This mentor-mentee setup creates opportunities for sharing knowledge and supporting sustainable initiatives across Ohio schools.
Exciting news! The PAST Foundation is a proud recipient of a $150K Google Grant to expand tech access and skills in central Ohio, including underserved communities. This is part of Google’s $1.1M investment in local nonprofits supporting STEM, education, mental health, and digital equity. Google operates three data centers in Ohio: Columbus, Lancaster and New Albany. Since 2006, Google.org has awarded more than $11 million in grants to Ohio nonprofits and organizations, while Google’s local employees have donated an additional $2 million. Learn more about Google in Ohio at: g.co/economicimpact/ohio.
What if assessments focused on how students are smart, instead of just if they are smart? That’s the idea Sonn Sam, Ed. D and Big Picture Learning are working toward. In this week's episode of #LearningUnboxed, we dive into the concept of learner-centered assessment. We explore why this shift matters, where it’s already being successful, and how it’s gaining support from families and businesses who are thinking about the future workforce. Tune in to learn how this approach is shaping a more relevant and locally driven education system. Listen now at https://lnkd.in/gZmMzZVd or wherever you get your podcasts! #EducationPodcast #EducationSystem #TeacherTools
Last month, 80+ Grandview Heights Schools students took on new design challenges using Spheros to explore autonomous vehicles. To bring the experience to life, they also visited the Center for Automotive Research (CAR) and got a close-up look at the autonomous car they had the chance to work on. It was a great way to connect classroom learning with real-world applications! Thanks for joining us Grandview Heights! #autonomousvehicles #spheros #linkinglearningtolife
🎁 This holiday season, give the gift of inspiration and innovation! "Hacking School: Five Strategies to Link Learning to Life" is the perfect present for educators looking to transform education. Empower them to connect learning to life. 💡Make a difference in their classroom—and beyond. Order your copy today! [https://lnkd.in/gpzgdx86] #learningunboxed #learningunboxedpodcast #pastfoundation #thisispast #hackingschool #educationtransformation #pbl #annaliescorbin | Annalies Corbin
Educators! The PAST Foundation offers a professional development series for educators focused on enhancing student agency and engagement. The program includes 6 hours of live virtual workshops. Educators will explore strategies such as fostering student agency, empowering voice and choice, guiding autonomy, facilitating real-world learning, and leveraging industry and community partnerships. Learn more at: https://lnkd.in/gnGg_HgT
What if high schoolers didn’t have to cram for tests or sit through traditional lessons to graduate? Instead, they could navigate real-world challenges that show off their skills. That’s exactly what students at the Jefferson County Open Secondary, do. Fifty years ago, a group of parents and educators created a school where students graduate by completing six practical challenges—called “passages”—and it’s still going strong today. In today’s episode of Learning Unboxed, Melyssa Dominguez and Jenny Long from Open School share how their “Walkabout” program works. They walk us through each of the six passages, explain how they support students with an advisory system, and evaluate them authentically. Graduates from this program don’t just get into college—they’re also more likely to finish their diplomas compared to the national average. Tune in to hear how you might bring elements of the “Walkabout” model into your own classroom. Find this and every episode of #LearningUnboxed at https://lnkd.in/gZmMzZVd or wherever you listen to podcasts. #EducationPodcast #STEMEducation #secondaryeducation
Together, we can empower a future innovator today! With your support on this #GivingTuesday, we can make our STEM summer programs more accessible to future leaders, paving the way for brighter tomorrows. Help us build better education today for tomorrow. Support the PAST Foundation at https://lnkd.in/gKnPBXvA