Forum Agenda

This year’s program unites leading voices and partners from across sectors to address emerging trends and strategies shaping the future of STEM workforce development. These expertly curated sessions will connect industry trailblazers, educators, policymakers, and nonprofit leaders, each contributing unique perspectives on advancing STEM pathways and fostering sustainable impact.

Please note the agenda is subject to change.

Monday Nov. 17

Day 1

1 PM - 1:30 PM

Arrive at COSI for Site Visits

Guests arrive at COSI for Site Visits. Drinks and snacks provided. 

1:30 PM - 2 PM

Travel Time: Site Visits

Attendees will travel to their designated site visit location. Transportation provided. 

2 PM - 3:30 PM

Site Visits

  1. Impact Community Action - Solar Innovation Lab
  2. Center for Automotive Research + PAST Foundation
  3. Columbus City Schools: Ft. Hayes
  4. The Hilltop Farm - Mid Ohio Food Bank 
  5. Center for Design and Manufacturing Excellence (CDME) at The Ohio State University

3:30 PM - 4 PM

Travel Time: COSI

Attendees will travel from site visits back to COSI. Transportation provided.

4 PM - 6 PM

Welcome Reception

During the Welcome Reception, attendees will have the opportunity to network with other Forum attendees, as well as participate in day 1 of the Innovation Showcase (poster session).

Tuesday Nov. 18

Day 2

8 AM - 8:30 AM

Breakfast & Registration

Start off the day with a full breakfast, coffee and tea while networking with fellow Forum attendees.

8:30 AM - 8:45 AM

Welcome

Ted Wells, President, STEMconnector and Heather Sherman, Director, STEMx National Network - Battelle, will welcome Forum attendees and introduce the Forum’s goals and key themes.

8:45 AM - 9:10 AM

Opening Keynotes

Begin your day with a welcoming orientation and inspiring remarks from the presidents of Battelle and COSI.

9:15 AM - 9:55 AM

Panel: The Impact of AI on STEM Learning and STEM Communities

AI is transforming education and work. This panel will explore AI's impact on STEM learning, teaching, and industry preparation. We'll discuss how AI reshapes pedagogy, its opportunities and risks for students, and whether we need to rethink curriculum in an AI-driven world.

Experts from education, research, industry, and policy will debate AI's promise and pitfalls in education, focusing on equity, workforce readiness, and ethical use. Attendees will gain insight into AI-enabled learning models, policy frameworks for responsible AI, and how AI can strengthen the STEM pipeline for future challenges and opportunities.

9:55 AM - 10:15 AM

Coffee & Networking Break

10:15 AM - 11:10 AM

STEMxcelerator Pitch Competition

The STEMxcelerator Pitch Competition is a competitive grant program, funded by Battelle, designed to surface and support the next generation of transformative STEM education solutions. Finalists will present their ideas at the STEM Innovation Forum.

11:10 AM - 12:00 PM

Panel: Purpose-Driven Pathways: Industry Engagement in Experiential Learning

This panel explores how experiential and career-connected learning models help students discover their interests, connect passion to opportunity, and develop real-world skills. Industry leaders will discuss cross-sector collaboration to guide and support students on effective STEM career pathways. Attendees will gain practical strategies and ideas to strengthen their own STEM talent pipelines in partnership with industry.
  • Stacy Claessens, Global Manager, 3M Community Impact
  • Lynn Schroetter, Manager, Talent Acquisition (STEM), Abbott
  • Kathy Sutton, Workforce Development Human Resources Specialist, Electric Boat Corporation
  • Potoula Stavropoulos, Senior Director, Social Impact | Corporate Affairs, Regeneron

12:00 PM - 12:40 PM

Poster Session

During the poster session, attendees will have the chance to gain insights from their peers about their organization, unique project, or initiative.

12:40 PM - 1:20 PM

Networking Lunch

1:30 PM - 2:10 PM

Learning Sessions (1)

Learn More

2:20 PM - 3:00 PM

Learning Sessions (2)

Learn More

3:15 PM - 3:55 PM

Panel: From Spark to Flame: A Unified Approach to Manufacturing Talent in Ohio

This panel will showcase Ohio’s blueprint for cultivating talent across the student journey—beginning with early exposure and inspiration, progressing through authentic engagement with industry, and culminating in credentialed, career-ready graduates. It highlights three interconnected programs: COSI’s STEM Hive Workforce Roadshow for early exposure, the Ohio Manufacturers’ Association’s Career Ambassador Program for student engagement, and Battelle’s Manufacturing Pathway Pilot Program for credentials and job placement.

With Ohio’s significant manufacturing sector needing talent, the discussion will offer insights into creating a unified system to strengthen talent pipelines, moving from individual programs to a scalable model.

3:55 PM - 4 PM

Closing / Conclusion

Winners of the STEMxcelerator Pitch Competition will be announced, we will explore key takeaways from the Forum and discover our strategic priorities for 2026 as we continue to advance STEM talent development and industry collaboration.

"I really enjoyed the learning sessions and the keynote speakers at last years Forum. I made valuable connections that we are already putting in place at our organization. I got a lot of out this forum!"