NEOSTEM Now - February 13, 2026
Congress Has Passed an Education Budget.
The newly signed federal budget maintains level funding for major education programs—rejecting proposed cuts and keeping support steady for Title I, special education, teacher development, and English learner services despite ongoing uncertainty around the Department of Education’s future. Learn More
New Report: Student Engagement Is Critical to Achievement—But Classrooms Are Still Falling Short
The 2025–2026 Education Insights report finds broad agreement that engagement drives learning and success, yet persistent gaps—frequent student boredom, limited reflective participation, and low parent confidence—highlight the urgent need for stronger strategies to make learning truly engaging. Learn More
Score with STEM Returns with STEM Series This Spring
Score with STEM brings hands-on STEM learning and career exploration to Cleveland with a series of exciting events: Request free tickets to the Cleveland Charge on March 3 at 11 AM, and Offer STEM experiences as an exhibitor on March 27 from 10 AM–1 PM ahead of the Cavaliers’ 7:30 PM tip-off—connecting students and families to real-world STEM through the energy of game day. Learn More
February Community Meeting Recap: What’s Ahead for NEOSTEM in 2026
At NEOSTEM’s February community meeting, partners gathered to reflect on the region’s progress and preview a more coordinated 2026 strategy—expanding access to career-connected STEM through large-scale sports activations, neighborhood-based events, and deeper collaboration across schools, industry, and community organizations led by NEOSTEM. Learn More
New Federal Tax Credit Could Unlock Billions for Afterschool and STEM Programs
Starting in 2027, a new federal tax credit will allow taxpayers to redirect up to $1,700 of their tax liability to scholarship organizations—creating a potential multibillion-dollar funding stream for afterschool, summer, and STEM enrichment programs as states opt in and regulations take shape. Learn More
New SNAP Work Rules Could Put Millions of Families at Risk of Losing Food Assistance
Tighter federal SNAP requirements—mandating at least 20 hours of work or volunteering for parents with children ages 14–17—could lead up to 2.4 million Americans to lose benefits, increasing financial strain for families with unstable or low-wage work. Learn More
Science Community Calls for Stable Funding and Fewer Hurdles to Boost U.S. Innovation
In response to the White House’s RFI on accelerating U.S. science, universities, research institutions, and industry groups urged stable federal funding, streamlined regulations, stronger public-private collaboration, and careful adoption of AI to strengthen innovation and retain research leadership. Learn More
Ohio Career-Tech Programs in High Demand, Participation Varies by Region
While demand for career-technical education in Ohio is rising, participation remains uneven across the state, with Southeastern and parts of central-Western and Northwestern regions seeing higher enrollment than major metropolitan areas. Learn More
Ohio Invests $3M+ to Boost Film Production and Economic Growth
Seven film and television projects awarded through Ohio’s Motion Picture Tax Credit are expected to create jobs, generate over $10 million in production spending, and deliver an estimated $14.6 million economic impact across the state. Learn More
AI Skills Are Driving Higher Pay, Better Jobs, and Faster Hiring
New research shows workers with AI skills earn about 23% higher salaries, receive stronger benefits and flexibility, and are up to 15% more likely to land interviews as employers compete for scarce talent. Learn More
From Involvement to Partnership: Why Family Engagement Must Be Central to Education
Global research shows student success improves when schools move beyond basic parent involvement to true partnership—giving families a voice in decision-making, building trust, and treating them as essential partners in learning and well-being. Learn More
CTE That Works: 5 Ways to Launch Students Into Real Careers After Graduation
Strong CTE programs connect training to local workforce needs, prioritize hands-on careers that can’t be automated, and pair students with personalized coaching and real-world pathways so they graduate with direction, credentials, and confidence—not just a diploma. Learn More
Upcoming Events & Resources
Advancing Innovative Math Solutions (AIMS) EduData Initiative – RFP Due March 2
Funded by the Gates Foundation, AIMS EduData provides researchers—especially early career professionals and those at minority-serving or Title I schools—access to deidentified datasets, research tools, and awards up to $400,000 to study student math learning, engagement, and instructional practices. Learn More
Integrating Academics and CTE: A Pathway to College and Career Readiness
This resource guides state and local leaders on combining Career Technical Education with core academics to create engaging, real-world learning experiences that build transferable skills and prepare students for both college and the workforce. Learn More
Tickets Now Available for the 2026 Ohio STEM Innovation Summit
Join Ohio’s educators, school leaders, and STEM champions on June 9, 2026, for a full day of inspiration, collaboration, and hands-on strategies at the Ohio STEM Innovation Summit—unlocking new possibilities for teaching, learning, and student success across the state. Learn More
Building Future-Ready Skills: Career-Connected STEM for Middle School
Join this interactive session to explore free, ready-to-use YES Engineering resources that help grades 6–8 students tackle real-world health challenges while building durable skills like collaboration, critical thinking, and career awareness. Learn More
ACE Cleveland Releases 2025–2026 Annual Events Calendar
From Trades Day to Sandfest, ACE Cleveland’s year-ahead lineup offers hands-on experiences that connect students to real careers in architecture, construction, and engineering. Learn More
NSF STEM K–12 Grant: Funding Research to Advance STEM Teaching and Learning
The National Science Foundation is accepting rolling proposals for its STEM K–12 program, offering $25,000–$750,000 over 1–3 years to support research and development that advances STEM teaching and learning in K–12 formal and informal settings, including projects leveraging AI and emerging technologies to strengthen the future STEM workforce. Learn More
Apply for a K-12 AI Infrastructure Program Grant, Due March 8
Digital Promise has launched an RFP for a K-12 AI Infrastructure Program, inviting projects developing public goods—including datasets, benchmarks, and models—designed to support multiple applications of AI in K-12 education. Learn More
Yearlong Academy Connects Classrooms to Real-World STEM Careers
The Battelle Teacher Academy equips K–12 educators with problem-based STEM strategies, industry externships, and workforce-aligned learning—at no cost—to help students connect classroom content to high-demand careers. Learn More
Civic Engagement as a Career Accelerator: An Emerging Leaders Panel
On March 12, United Way’s Emerging Leaders will host a professional development panel at The Union Club of Cleveland exploring how civic engagement—from volunteerism to community leadership—can accelerate career growth, expand networks, and open new professional pathways through real-world examples from local leaders. Learn More
Power the Connections That Power Northeast Ohio.
When educators, industry leaders, and community partners stay connected, students win. Your support powers the partnerships and programs that expand hands-on STEM, educator resources, and real career pathways across Northeast Ohio.
Keep the Connections Strong. Support the Work That Moves Us Forward →