New Battelle Program Advances Technology Education for Secondary Schools in Columbus, Ohio

Company incorporates PTC's Global Education program to improve science, technology, engineering, and math instruction.

PTC's Global Education Program provides free licenses of Pro/ENGINEER Schools Edition design software, curriculum, and projects to middle and secondary schools upon completion of teacher training and certification.

An extension to this training program is Battelle's establishment of after-school STEM clubs for students and teachers. According to Battelle, many teachers face the challenge of incorporating STEM-focused training into existing curriculum. The Battelle Engineering Experience (B2e) includes STEM clubs offering ongoing teacher training, student mentorship, curriculum development, and exposure to industry tools after initial training is completed.

Battelle has trained some of its own engineering staff to conduct educational workshops for teachers as part of the B2e program. In the Battelle model, the teachers receive training from industry professionals who are experienced users of Pro/ENGINEER. Nominal training fees are underwritten by the school district, and Battelle donates training time and resources. Battelle's goal is to establish STEM clubs in all Columbus, Ohio, school districts. Three schools currently offer the after-school experience.

Additionally, Battelle is developing an open-source curriculum program that will offer teachers STEM-focused curriculum that is driven by industry problems and design challenges. Battelle plans to use PTC Windchill as the collaboration backbone of the project's information portal. Battelle will use the collaboration portal to follow up with teachers to keep them engaged in the program.

"Battelle prioritizes our education initiatives on the same level of critical importance as our research and development mission," says Chris Brandon, B2e Team Battelle project director. "The shortage of qualified technology workers will impact our nation's ability to successfully compete in a global economy. Battelle is committed to doing its part to reverse that trend by creating and supporting programs that can be replicated and sustained throughout our schools and communities."