NEOSTEM Now | Feb. 27, 2026
Cleveland’s Economy Is Steady — But Not Keeping Pace
Greater Cleveland is seeing gains in jobs, income, and full-time employment, but slow population growth, lower educational attainment, and high child poverty continue to hold the region back compared with peer metros. Learn More
DOL Unveils National AI Literacy Framework to Future-Proof the American Workforce
The U.S. Department of Labor has launched a foundational AI literacy framework—outlining five core content areas and seven delivery principles—to provide a flexible, nationwide roadmap for integrating artificial intelligence skills into education and workforce development. Learn More
Score with STEM with the Cavs on March 27
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. Register to join the free STEM experience at Rocket Arena, purchase seats for the evening’s Cavaliers vs. Heat game, or sponsor a family to attend by completing this form.
New Federal Student Loan Rules: Key Deadlines and Repayment Changes
With the implementation of the One Big Beautiful Bill Act, federal student loan borrowers face a shifting landscape of plan consolidations and upcoming deadlines that may impact repayment options and forgiveness eligibility. Learn More
OWU and Case Western Reserve Expand Graduate Business Partnership
Ohio Wesleyan University has expanded its pathway agreement with Case Western Reserve’s Weatherhead School of Management to include a Master of Accountancy, offering students early admission and guaranteed scholarships across four high-demand business programs. Learn More
The STEM teacher workforce in high-need settings – Research
While staffing pressures have intensified over the last three decades, STEM teacher qualifications and turnover in high-poverty schools have remained surprisingly stable, bolstered by targeted interventions like the Robert Noyce Teacher Scholarship Program and an increased reliance on foreign-trained educators. Learn More
Upcoming Events & Resources
NSF Greenlights $100M Network to Scale U.S. Quantum and Nano Research
The U.S. National Science Foundation is launching a 16-site National Quantum and Nanotechnology Infrastructure (NQNI) program to provide open-access tools and expertise to researchers, startups, and students nationwide. Learn More
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
DOL Unveils $145M Pay-for-Performance Initiative to Scale Registered Apprenticeships
The U.S. Department of Labor has launched a $145 million funding opportunity focused on incentive-based payments to expand Registered Apprenticeships across high-growth sectors like AI, shipbuilding, and healthcare. Learn More
thinkSTEM 2026: Inspiring the Next Generation of Engineers
Case Western Reserve University is now accepting applications for thinkSTEM 2026, a two-week intensive summer program (July 13–24) designed to immerse rising 7th, 8th, and 9th graders in hands-on engineering exploration and world-class instruction at the Sears think[box]. Applications due 3/9 Learn More
Launch Your Career with Battelle: Internship and Co-op Opportunities
Battelle is seeking engaged critical thinkers for its paid summer internships and semester-long co-op positions, offering students the chance to work alongside experts in national security, health, and infrastructure. Learn More
Youth Basketball Camp
Young athletes ages 10–17 are invited to the Cleveland Public Auditorium on March 8th to sharpen their skills and experience high-energy drills in this exclusive community event.
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
STEM Talk: Navigate Education, Policy & Workforce in 30 Min | March 5 | 12 PM ET
Join STEM experts on Thursday, March 5, for a concise, 30-minute deep dive into practical strategies and resources for navigating the evolving landscape of education, policy, and workforce development. 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
Empowering Change: Join NAPE’s 2026 Professional Learning and Innovation Summit
The 2026 NAPE Summit brings together education and workforce leaders to dismantle systemic barriers and build equitable pathways into the modern workforce, with a focus on STEM, CTE, and AI. 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.
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