NEWS & EVENTS

LIFT and MakerMinded Celebrate Top Schools in Ohio

Columbus, OH— LIFT – Lightweight Innovations For Tomorrow, a Manufacturing USA institute, along with Tennessee Tech University iCube and the Ohio STEM Learning Network powered by Battelle, is proud to announce the winning schools of the 2017-2018 MakerMinded competition.

MakerMinded was launched in Ohio in 2017 to impassion students about advanced manufacturing and provide them with transformational learning experiences and 21st century skills to secure their path to in-demand careers. The digital platform provides access to a diverse range of national and local STEM and advanced manufacturing programs, including manufacturing facility tours, gaming activities, project-based learning, and competitions.

The following four schools in Ohio are being recognized for excellence in advanced manufacturing and STEM learning through their participation in MakerMinded, an online STEM learning and competition platform:

• Dayton Regional STEM School – Dayton, Ohio

• Alliance Middle School – Alliance, Ohio

• Graham Middle School – St. Paris, Ohio

• Woodward Park Middle School – Columbus, Ohio

“We are so proud of these students and every school that participated in MakerMinded,” said Aimee Kennedy, Senior Vice-President, Education and Philanthropy at Battelle. “The future of innovation relies on a new generation of leaders grounded in quality STEM learning opportunities. Today, we recognize four schools doing their part through MakerMinded to make STEM accessible for every student in Ohio.”

“With over 12,000 manufacturing firms that employ over 680,000 people, Ohio is relying on STEM students to help grow and lead our manufacturing base,” said Eric Burkland, President & CEO, Ohio Manufacturers’ Association.” “We are proud to support and recognize MakerMinded students as they pursue advanced manufacturing learning and prepare for great careers in our industry.”

These schools will be celebrated on July 23 at the Connections to Education Conference in Columbus, Ohio. Each winning school will take home an Oculus Rift virtual reality system to experience STEM and advanced manufacturing learning in their classrooms. The prizes are made possible through support from Battelle and Making Ohio, the state’s manufacturing careers campaign.

“The impact of MakerMinded is powerful evidence of the magic that happens when you inspire young people,” said Emily DeRocco, LIFT’s Education and Workforce Director. “This year, over 1,300 students and teachers from 94 middle and high schools across Ohio completed thousands of STEM programs, gaining foundational technical and employability skills that will prepare them for success in the high-tech manufacturing industry. This impact is exactly the reason LIFT invested in and launched MakerMinded, which is now active in Tennessee, Kentucky, Ohio, and Michigan. Three more states will launch the program in the 2018-19 school year.”

The 2018-2019 MakerMinded competition in Ohio will begin in August 2018.

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About LIFT – Lightweight Innovations for Tomorrow

LIFT, operated by the American Lightweight Materials Manufacturing Innovation Institute (ALMMII), is a Detroit-based, public-private partnership committed to the development and deployment of advanced lightweight metal manufacturing technologies, and implementing education and training initiatives to better prepare the workforce today and in the future. LIFT is one of the founding institutes of Manufacturing USA, and is funded in part by the Department of Defense with management through the Office of Naval Research. Visit www.lift.technology or follow on Twitter @NewsFromLIFT to learn more.

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.

Battelle also manages a range of successful projects bringing quality STEM education to students including the Ohio STEM Learning Network, Tennessee STEM Innovation Network, and the national STEMx network.

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.

For more information contact Katy Delaney at (614) 424-7208 or delaneyk@battelle.org or T.R. Massey at (614) 424-5544 or masseytr@battelle.org.

About iCube

Tennessee Tech University’s iCube is a place where students and faculty Imagine, Inspire, and Innovate. We are a leader in advancing collaborative solutions with extensive experience in public policy marketing campaigns and virtual reality development. To learn more about our center, please visit www.ttuicube.com.