Hi Innovators,

PAST Foundation Recognized for Excellence in Innovation

PAST Foundation was recognized by the U.S. Department of Education in their recently released report, STEM 2026: A Vision for Innovation in STEM Education. PAST was featured for our “flexible and inclusive learning spaces” and our use of technology to expand access to high-quality STEM education to all communities.

“By utilizing tools like our Hybrid Teaching Model, (pictured above) problem-based learning, and real-world applied education, PAST blends culture and education to better meet the needs of today’s students,” said Annalies Corbin, PhD, PAST President and CEO.

PAST’s programs deliver meaningful education to students while exposing them to career pathways and igniting their passions. We are proud to be one of only 40 organizations featured in the report. 

Download the full report here and read the Press Release here. 

A STORM is Coming to Columbus … and It’s Landing at PAST Innovation Lab! 

#STORM80Days

The STORM Einhoven World Tour 2016 team is circling the globe in 80 days on the world’s first electric touring motorcycle!

Today, the STORM motorcycle and its crew came to the PAST Innovation Lab. STORM is one team, two wheels, 23 college students and 10-15 industry experts traveling the world during their 80-day international tour. STORM shared their story with over 170 middle and high school students from Central Ohio in addition to educators, community members, and special guests.

Columbus is one of 60 stops in the STORM World Tour and the 7th in the United States. Chosen because Columbus is a nexus for the emerging autonomous electric vehicle market as evidenced by local leaders such as The Ohio State University’s Center for Automotive Research (CAR).

The tour is nearing completion but you can follow the tour live online!

Coffee with Cops

Dr. Andrew Bruening, PAST Director of Bridge Programs, and Dorothy Sutton, English Language Arts and Growth Learning Center Teacher at Metro Early College High School have collaborated on many learning initiatives. This week they launched Coffee With Cops, a series of conversations between police officers and Metro students.

“In the wake of shootings and violence between police and communities we believe it is imperative to help our students and police improve how they interact and communicate,” said Bruening.

Detective Dana Croom, with the Columbus Police Homicide Cold Case, and Columbus Officer Justin Coleman from Community Response team met with students at PAST Innovation Lab.  They shared their experiences as officers regarding the use of force, what situations may warrant it and how officers determine their best course of action. Croom and Coleman also talked about how officers deal with the after effects when they have used deadly force. Initially the students didn’t know what to expect, but gradually they began to ask questions about how police approach different situations.

PAST knows that building better communities for our students includes creating opportunities for students to engage with all community partners, including law enforcement agencies. Our plan is to continue the Coffee With Cops conversations so all Metro students have a chance to meet and interact with members of the Police Department.

Thank You Honda R&D!

Making A Difference In Students Lives