What if instead of pushing every high schooler into Algebra 2, we let them choose a math route that focused more on data science and computers? That’s what Chris Orban and the Math Pathways project are working to make happen in the state of Ohio.

On the show today, Chris describes how he’s helping increase access to computer science education for kids across the state through math course offerings. He walks us through what those courses can look like, including a project on the Nintendo64 Mario game.

Chris gives an excellent, deep-in-the-weeds perspective of what it takes to make this kind of systemic change.

To learn more, visit: pastfoundation.org

We unbox:

• How a course can serve as both a math class and a computer science class
• What systems change looks like from an in-the-weeds perspective
• How community members can be impactful in education policy change

Resources:

• Learn more about the Math Pathways project

Produced by NOVA

Kasondra Wilson was a first generation college student and now works at one of the top consulting firms in the world, Deloitte. She knows firsthand what boost students need in order to thrive in the professional environment. Kasondra is one of our industry partners here at the PAST foundation, and we’re thrilled to have her on the show today.

Kasondra walks our listeners through how to attract and retain industry partners in the education and youth development space. If you’ve been hesitant about reaching out to local industry partners for your own organization, you’ll definitely feel more confident after tuning in to this episode.

We are so proud of our partnership with Kasondra and Deloitte. Thank you to all our industry partners out there!

To learn more, visit: pastfoundation.org

We unbox:

• How to look through an corporate org chart to identify potential partners
• What collaboration looks like between educators and industry professionals
• How industry partners can identify what they have to offer students

Resources:

• Learn more about Deloitte’s Skill-Based Volunteering

Produced by NOVA

Welcome back for the third episode of our four-part series all about our Portable Innovation Labs (PILs). Today, we have a conversation with two community partners who use PILs for their workforce development missions.

Iddrisu Seidu from Makerspace Central and Rich Granger from DriveOhio explain how they team up with our rocket-focused PIL. By using 3D-printing, the PIL allows children to immerse themselves in rocket science– yes, rocket science.

Aerospace and aviation are important industries in Ohio’s economy. Through the rocket-based PIL, we can build a more diverse and talented future workforce together.

To learn more, visit: pastfoundation.org

We unbox:

• Why Makerspace Central and DriveOhio decided to use PILs
• How PILs increase diversity in STEM
• How PILs can be adjusted for different age groups

Resources:

• Listen to Episode 49. Planes, Trains, & Automobiles: The Role of Education in Smart Mobility & Infrastructure
• Access DriveOhio’s free Educator Toolkit
• Learn more at MakerspaceCentral.org
• Follow Makerspace Central on Instagram: @Makerspace.Central

Produced by NOVA