Continued Excellence: Two Ohio Schools Earn STE(A)M Redesignation
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Five years after earning their STEM or STEAM designation, schools seeking redesignation are asked an important question: How have you continued to grow?
On November 5, 2026, the Ohio STEM Committee convened for its fall meeting, hosted by Kent State University, to review redesignation recommendations from across the state. Following a comprehensive review process, the committee approved the redesignation of two schools that demonstrated sustained excellence, continuous improvement, and an ongoing commitment to high-quality STEM and STEAM education.
Over the past five years, these schools have built upon their original designation by strengthening instructional practices, deepening community partnerships, expanding opportunities for students, and adapting to the evolving needs of their communities. Their successful redesignation reflects not only where they are today, but also the intentional growth, innovation, and reflection that have shaped their journey since first earning STEM or STEAM designation.
A Commitment to Continuous Growth
Earning STEM or STEAM designation is a significant accomplishment. Maintaining that designation requires schools to demonstrate that STEM education remains deeply embedded in their culture, instructional practices, partnerships, and student learning experiences.
Through the redesignation process, schools reflect on five years of growth, submit evidence aligned to Ohio’s STEM and STEAM indicators, and participate in a comprehensive review conducted by trained educators and STEM leaders from across the state.
Redesignation affirms that a school has not only sustained its original vision but has continued to evolve, innovate, and strengthen opportunities for students.
Schools Recommended for Redesignation
The Ohio STEM Committee approved recommendations for the following schools for STE(A)M redesignation:
- Global Impact STEM Academy, originally designated in 2008, is a STEM-designated school serving students in grades 6-12 in the Dayton region.
- Orchard STEM School, originally designated in 2018, is a STEAM-designated school serving students in grades K-8 in Northeast Ohio.
The redesignation process highlights not only where schools are today, but also how they have evolved since earning their original designation. Through evidence of continuous improvement, innovation, and responsiveness to the changing needs of students, families, and communities, these schools demonstrate an ongoing commitment to high-quality STEM and STEAM education.
Both schools will be formally recognized for their redesignation during the Ohio STEM Innovation Summit, where educators and leaders from across the state will celebrate their sustained excellence and contributions to Ohio’s STEM and STEAM education landscape.
Celebrating the Work Behind the Recognition
Behind every redesignation is a community of educators, students, families, and partners committed to creating meaningful learning experiences that prepare students for the future.
The Ohio STEM Learning Network congratulates these schools on this achievement and thanks the reviewers, committee members, and community partners who support the designation process. Their collective efforts continue to strengthen STEM and STEAM education across Ohio.
Recognizing Excellence, Inspiring What’s Next
Redesignation is more than a recognition of past success. It reflects a school’s ongoing commitment to continuous improvement, innovation, and student-centered learning. As these schools begin their next five-year chapter, they serve as examples of what is possible when educators remain dedicated to growing, adapting, and creating opportunities that help every learner thrive.
Interested in pursuing STEM or STEAM designation for your school? Visit the STE(A)M Designation page to learn more about the process, access resources, and explore the rubric. Schools and districts can also participate in a regional deep dive into the STEM and STEAM Designation Rubric, designed to help educators better understand the indicators, expectations, and evidence needed for successful designation and redesignation. We look forward to supporting schools at every stage of their STEM journey.
The post Continued Excellence: Two Ohio Schools Earn STE(A)M Redesignation appeared first on Ohio STEM Learning Network.
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