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F.I.R.S.T. School Wins Two $5,000 OSLN Grants to Power Hands‑On STEM Programs

02:51 PM, 12/01/2025
F.I.R.S.T. School Wins Two $5,000 OSLN Grants to Power Hands‑On STEM Programs

F.I.R.S.T. School received two $5,000 Ohio STEM Learning Network classroom grants funded by Battelle to expand hands-on STEM programs. Vivian Brownlow will lead "Wearable Tech for Future Designers," teaching e-textiles, LEDs and basic coding with a culminating "Light Up the Runway" showcase. Chris Jones will create a "Sustainable Systems Lab" using smart hydroponics, solar kits, a climate action kit and a soldering set to teach circuitry, systems thinking and career readiness. In total, 165 schools across 130 Ohio districts benefited from this year's grants.

F.I.R.S.T. School has earned two separate $5,000 classroom grants from the Ohio STEM Learning Network (OSLN), funded through Battelle's philanthropic support. The awards were announced by the Mid-Ohio Educational Service Center as part of a statewide effort that distributed 194 grants to seed long-term, STEM-focused classroom projects.

Wearable Tech for Future Designers

Teacher Vivian Brownlow received one grant for a project called "Wearable Tech for Future Designers." In her multi-grade classroom, students will combine fashion design, engineering and basic coding to create garments and accessories that light up. Using e-thread, sewable fabrics and LED components, students will design, sew and program wearable pieces that culminate in a student showcase titled "Light Up the Runway."

"This is my second year receiving an OSLN Classroom Grant and I can't thank OSLN and Battelle enough," Brownlow said. "This grant allows me to bring technology to life for our students by connecting STEM with a universally relatable medium: fashion. The project is more than sewing circuits—it's about making STEM approachable, celebrating creativity and building students' confidence in design, math and technology."

Sustainable Systems Lab

The second grant supports Chris Jones' "Sustainable Systems Lab." This immersive, interdisciplinary program gives students hands-on experience tackling real-world sustainability challenges. Learners will work with smart hydroponics kits, smart solar components and a climate action kit to design, build and operate integrated environmental systems in the classroom. The lab also includes a smart soldering kit to teach foundational electrical engineering and circuit design.

"We are incredibly grateful to the Ohio STEM Learning Network for awarding us this grant," Jones said. "The Sustainable Systems Lab is a game-changer for our students. By working with solar technology, hydroponics and climate data, students aren't just learning science — they're becoming problem-solvers poised to design a more sustainable future."

F.I.R.S.T. teacher McClain adds that students gain more than technical skills: they build systems thinking, troubleshooting ability, collaboration skills and confidence in asking questions that solve complex problems.

Overall, 165 public schools were recognized this year, reaching students across 130 Ohio school districts in 68 counties. The grants aim to expand equitable access to hands-on STEM learning and to prepare students for STEM careers through project-based, interdisciplinary experiences.

Reported by: Jane Imbody

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