NEOSTEM Now - January 30, 2026
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
Meta’s Historic Bet: Ohio Nuclear Powers the Next Era of American AI
Meta is locking in Ohio’s nuclear future with long-term deals to upgrade legacy plants and build advanced reactors—securing round-the-clock, carbon-free power for its Prometheus AI supercluster and positioning Ohio as a backbone of U.S. AI leadership. Learn More
Ohio Opens New Round of New Markets Tax Credits to Drive Investment in Underserved Communities
The Ohio Department of Development has opened applications for the latest round of the Ohio New Markets Tax Credit Program, making up to $10 million available to help Community Development Entities attract private investment, create jobs, and support small and minority businesses in economically distressed areas across the state. Learn More
SEMI Foundation Approved as National Apprenticeship Sponsor, Unlocking Priority Access for Member Companies
The SEMI Foundation has been approved by the U.S. Department of Labor as a National Apprenticeship Sponsor, giving SEMI member companies priority access to streamlined apprenticeship programs, technical support, and scalable earn-and-learn pathways across the U.S. semiconductor ecosystem. Learn More
Inside OpenAI’s Big Bet on Accelerating Science
In an exclusive interview, Kevin Weil explains how OpenAI’s new OpenAI for Science team aims to turn advanced AI models into everyday collaborators for researchers—helping scientists move faster, surface hidden connections, and accelerate discovery without replacing human judgment. Learn More
Congress Presses Elite Colleges on Students’ Declining Math Readiness
Led by Bill Cassidy, Congress is demanding data from dozens of selective universities on math placement and testing practices amid growing evidence that large numbers of incoming students—despite strong grades—are arriving unprepared for college-level math. Learn More
OECD Digital Education Outlook 2026: When AI Helps Students Learn—and When It Doesn’t
The OECD’s 2026 Digital Education Outlook finds that generative AI can meaningfully improve learning, teaching, and school operations when used with clear pedagogical intent—but warns that unguided AI use boosts performance without real learning and risks undermining academic integrity. Learn More
How Schools Can Lead Their Own R&D—and Actually Make Innovation Stick
This Digital Promise report shows how school systems that lead their own research and development can test ideas faster, ground innovation in real classroom evidence, and drive sustained improvement tailored to local student needs. Learn More
Cleveland Metropolitan School District Parent University: Black History Edition
Join families and scholars on February 7 for an interactive Black History Edition of Parent University—featuring fatherhood conversations, college and scholarship planning, hands-on STEM learning, cultural trivia, and community-centered experiences that connect legacy to opportunity. Learn More
Ohio State Funding Now Available to Bring New Technologies to Market
Ohio Third Frontier, an initiative of the Department of Development, has opened a new round of Phase 1 and Phase 2 grants—offering up to $1 million to help research institutions and startups validate, license, and commercialize breakthrough technologies across key innovation sectors. Submit questions by Jan. 30; Proposals due Feb. 6 Learn More
Become an AI Trailblazer: A National Fellowship for Educators Ready to Lead
The aiEDU Trailblazers Fellowship equips K–12 educators with the tools, community, and confidence to bring real AI readiness into classrooms—impacting thousands of students nationwide. Learn More
$1 Million on the Line: The Mott Million Dollar Challenge Invites K–12 Innovators to Pitch Big Ideas
Funded by the Charles Stewart Mott Foundation, the Mott Million Dollar Challenge invites students in grades K–12 from across the U.S. to pitch a business or social-impact idea for a chance to win part of a $1 million prize pool, with entries due February 27, 2026. Learn More
The STEM Talk | New Federal Tax Credit for Afterschool & Summer Programs
On February 4 at 1pm ET join a timely conversation with Jodi Grant, Executive Director of the Afterschool Alliance, on a new federal tax credit in H.R.1 that could unlock major new funding for afterschool and summer learning programs starting in 2027. Learn More
Girls Who Code at Case Western: Spring 2026 Arduino & Python Workshops Now Open
The Case Western Reserve University Girls Who Code Club is offering free, in-person Spring 2026 workshops (2/7 & 2/8 start dates) in Arduino circuitry and Python programming—welcoming all experience levels to build hands-on coding skills with real-world applications in tech, data, and engineering. Learn More
RSVP: Take Students Inside Northeast Ohio Workplaces
RSVP (Regional Site Visit Program) connects students to behind-the-scenes visits at regional employers—like Deloitte, Ohio CAT, LAND, and KeyBank—where they can explore careers firsthand through tours, demos, hands-on activities, and real conversations with professionals. Learn More
Ohio Healthcare Virtual Career Fair
On February 25, 2026, students across Ohio can explore high-demand healthcare careers through a free, statewide virtual career fair featuring hospitals, career videos, and live Q&A sessions with healthcare professionals. Register Here
The Future Is Now: Helping Educators Teach AI with Confidence
A new in-person professional learning experience at Putnam County ESC will equip grades 8–12 educators with practical, classroom-ready strategies for teaching AI literacy—no coding required—with applications closing March 16 and the first session beginning March 23, 2026. 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 →