Project Inspire
Columbiana County ESC Awarded Ohio Straight A Fund Grant
The Columbiana County Educational Service Center (CCESC) was awarded an Ohio Straight A Fund Grant to provide increased science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) resources to eight local school districts, including the Columbiana County Career and Technical Center.
The CCESC is one of 37 schools and educational service agencies across the state to receive Straight A funding. The funds were created to encourage innovative classroom practices and support collaboration between education and community leaders. The CCESC formed a consortium with local school districts and area businesses to apply for the award.
The $975,000 grant will fund Project Inspire, a STEM program that will introduce real world, problem-based curriculum for children in grades K – 8. For county high school students, Project Inspire will increase STEM classroom resources.
"Only through the shared services and resources of the consortium can rural district students access this innovative and engaging STEM K – 12 program. The program will provide students with the skills needed for college and career readiness in today’s world," said Carol Straub, CCESC Consultant and co-author of the grant proposal.
Project Inspire emphasizes 21st Century skills, including critical thinking and analysis, research, teamwork, and effective communication. The project utilizes INVENTORcloud curriculum, developed by Applied Systems and Technology Transfer (AST2), which enables students to use digital technology to create virtual designs and produce prototypes with rapid prototyping equipment (3D printers, laser cutters, and mills).