NEOSTEM Now | Feb. 20, 2026
Ohio’s Next Move: Bridging the Gap Between Graduation and the Modern Workforce
While Ohio is a national leader in providing college credit access and flexible mastery-based learning, a new XQ report warns that state leaders must now prioritize “durable skills” like critical thinking and collaboration to ensure students can keep pace with a rapidly shifting, AI-driven economy. Learn More
Global Report Warns: Too Many Teens — Especially in the U.S. — Aren’t Ready for Work
A new review from the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development finds that while some countries build strong classroom-to-career pathways through apprenticeships and vocational systems, the U.S. and others leave too many young people without the skills, credentials, or support needed to transition successfully into the workforce. 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. Learn More
- Request free tickets to the Cleveland Charge on March 3 at 11 AM
- 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.
- March 10 at 12 PM – NEOSTEM will host a webinar for exhibitors planning to join the March 27th 10 AM – 1 PM STEM portion of Score with STEM. Join us here.
- March 27 is our day to show up for students. Give today.
Enrollment Drops Drive School Closures Nationwide — Cleveland Plans Major Consolidation
As falling birthrates, expanding school choice, and long-term enrollment declines strain budgets, districts across the country are closing or merging schools — including Cleveland, where enrollment has dropped by half in two decades, prompting a plan to consolidate 29 schools and save $30 million annually. Learn More
New Data Shows a Growing Disconnect Between Nonprofits and Their Funders
Amid rising demand, funding cuts, and policy pressures, new research finds nonprofits are under significant strain — and while foundations believe they’re responding effectively, many nonprofit leaders say funders still fall short on communication, flexibility, and real-world support. Learn More
Harvest for Hunger Kicks Off as Food Assistance Needs Reach Record Levels
The Greater Cleveland Food Bank launched its 35th Harvest for Hunger campaign with a goal of $11.5 million, as rising living costs drive record demand, serving more than 400,000 people — many seeking help for the first time. Learn More
Ohio Museums Sweep National “Best Of” Awards
Eight Ohio institutions, led by Columbus’s COSI and the Toledo Museum of Art, have been named among the nation’s premier destinations in the 2026 USA TODAY 10BEST Readers’ Choice Awards. Learn More
Ohio’s New Child Wellness Campuses: Bringing Therapeutic Care Closer to Home
Governor Mike DeWine has announced $20 million in funding to establish and expand six child wellness campuses across Ohio, providing local, short-term therapeutic stabilization for youth with complex needs to prevent far-from-home placements. Learn More
Lowe’s Announces Nationwide Layoffs Affecting Ohio Workers
Lowe’s has filed a federal WARN notice indicating that hundreds of employees across the U.S. will be permanently laid off starting April 19, with impacts reaching remote and field positions in Ohio cities, including Columbus, Findlay, and Groveport. Learn More
New Bipartisan Bill Proposes AI Workforce Tax Credits for Employers
The AI Workforce Training Act would amend the federal tax code to offer companies a 30% tax credit for artificial intelligence career development programs while tasking federal agencies with leading a national outreach campaign to prepare workers for the future of tech. 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
Empowering Native Voices in STEM: NSF’s TCUP Funding Opportunities
The National Science Foundation’s Tribal Colleges and Universities Program (TCUP) provides essential funding for transformative STEM research, instructional capacity-building, and community engagement at Tribal Colleges, Alaska Native-serving, and Native Hawaiian-serving institutions. Learn More
To the Moon and Beyond: Inside the Careers Launching Artemis II
Join STEM Next Opportunity Fund, NASA, and Lockheed Martin experts on February 25th for an exclusive look at the diverse career pathways behind the historic Artemis II mission, the first crewed flight around the Moon in over 50 years. 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
Webinar: How College Partnerships Are Redefining Enrollment in a Changing Higher Ed Landscape
Join a March 9 webinar at 2 p.m. ET to explore how colleges are responding to the enrollment cliff by forming strategic collaborations — from course-sharing to joint degrees — to reduce costs, expand opportunities, and stay competitive in a challenging new era. 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
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
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
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 →