Imagine the world where every child learns through curiosity, inquiry and exploration. The world where students embrace the unknown, seek challenges, and drive innovation. Imagine the world where schools are hubs of design thinkers and problem-solvers. Since its inception in 2008, the Ohio STEM Learning Network has worked alongside educators, leaders, community organizations, educational institutions, and business partners to turn this vision into reality.

As the new director of the Ohio STEM Learning Network, I am focused on accelerating career-connected, high-quality STEM learning in every region of our state with the Department of Education & Workforce, Battelle Education, and our incredible network of schools and partners.

For the past four years, I have had the privilege of witnessing the powerful impact of STEM education on transforming classrooms, schools, communities, and most importantly, the lives of Ohio students. I am humbled, and very excited, to have the opportunity to lead the work of the Ohio STEM Learning Network.

I am grateful to Kelly Gaier Evans for the strong foundation built over the last few years and am excited to lead this next chapter.

And to our network members, thank you for allowing us to be part of your STEM journey.

Together, we will focus our energy and drive to achieve the following:

• Ignite the passion and build capacity for STEM education across the state,
• Serve as the essential conduit, linking STEM curious and designated schools with community and business partners,
• Provide transformative professional learning focused on STEM culture, pedagogy, and career-connected education,
• Create and deploy robust systems to build future-ready STEM workforce in Ohio, and
• Continue to innovate in the field of STEM education.

I am eager to connect with schools, partners, educators, and many STEM champions across our state to continue to advance and inform the work of the Ohio STEM Learning Network. To those I have collaborated with in the past, I look forward to reconnecting, and if we have not met yet, let’s make it a priority to speak soon. Together, we will stay curious, drive innovation, and champion high-quality STEM education for every child in Ohio.

Thank you,

Sandra Wilder, PhD