Snow Much STEM Happening
NEO STEM Hub Updates - January 2026

🌟 Welcome to the NEO STEM Hub January 2026 Update!
HAPPY NEW YEAR!!! 2026 comes with new beginnings and we’re excited to share the latest news, events, and opportunities happening across our region as we continue to grow and strengthen our STEM community.
If you’d like to stay connected and receive updates from the Hub, please be sure to fill out the form below. Please forward to any other connections you believe would like to receive these updates.
If you have items, events, or highlights to share with the region, please send them to cdanhoff@npesc.org.
THANK YOU for being part of our STEM network and supporting innovation across Northeast Ohio!
✅ PLEASE COMPLETE AND SHARE!
🌟 Our Spotlight Visit was a SUCCESS!
The Northeast Ohio STEM Hub hosted the first School Spotlight event of the year at St.Joseph Parish School in Amherst, OH. Principal Amy Makruski shared the processes, challenges and ultimate outcomes of being an Ohio Stem Learning Network STEM designated school. We are so grateful for their warm welcome and enthusiastic willingness to share with others who aspire to incorporate such amazing opportunities for students! THANK YOU staff and students at St. Joseph Parish School!
For more information about School Spotlight Visits - https://osln.org/2025/12/celebrating-ohios-fall-stem-school-spotlights/
Please reach out to Christine Danhoff, cdanhoff@npesc.org, if your STEM/STEAM designated school in NEO is interested in being our Spring Spotlight.
OSLN Annual Report
Teach Computer Science Professional Learning Opportunities
Teach CS Program Pathways
Our Teach CS program at CSU offers two opportunities to earn CS licensure. We anticipate accepting new candidates this spring, pending the next round of Teach CS funding that provides scholarships to OH educators.
- Endorsement Pathway (Post-Undergraduate)
- Enroll in the CS Education Endorsement Program at CSU (18 graduate credit hours).
- Attend an OAE Prep Workshop the summer you plan to take the OAE 054.
Upon passing the exam and completing requirements, apply to the state for full licensure.
Link to Endorsement Program: https://online.csuohio.edu/online-programs-and-courses-online-graduate-programs/computer-science-endorsement-program
- Supplemental Licensure Pathway
Attend an OAE Prep Workshop in summer 2026.
Attend a professional development workshop (TBD for summer 2026)
- Take and pass the OAE 054.
- Enroll in our Mentorship Program, completing two years of mentorship required for the Supplemental Licensure.
Here is the link to the Center for Computing and Education website for additional information:
Overview of GLOBE’s New Data Collection eTraining Modules
January 13, 11 am ET (16:00 UTC)
Register now to join members of the GIO's Science, Training, Education, and Public Engagement (GIO-STEPE) team for an introduction to the new Data Collection eTraining modules. This session will walk you through how to access the updated eTrainings in the GLOBE Network on the Mighty platform, explain how the Data Collection eTrainings differ from the Protocol eTrainings, and highlight additional updates.
Additional Learning Sessions on topics such as Lake Observations from Citizen Scientists and Satellites (LOCSS), resources for engaging GLOBE alumni, and UN Institute for Training and Research (UNITAR) Global Diplomacy Fellows will be announced in the coming months.
❄️ Join the Blowing Snow Pilot!
Starting in December, GLOBE Observers can help support the forecasting work by submitting feature photos of blowing snow along the horizon through the GLOBE Observer (GO) app. Data will be collected during this pilot project between December and February.
All data collected during the blowing snow pilot will be pulled into a data dashboard to help scientists access it quickly. The photos will be used to confirm the presence of blowing snow in satellite data. By improving the tools scientists use to detect blowing snow at your location, you are helping them create better products to help people driving vehicles and participating in outdoor activities worldwide.
STEM & Tech Connect & InnovatEd Network Meetings 📆
🧩 PBL in Action on Feb. 9
This web-based trivia challenge connects high school students (grades 9-12) across Ohio OVAC member schools.
Students:
- Play to learn
- Track daily scores
- Make unlimited attempts
- Challenge other OVAC schools
- Compete for a $1,500 scholarship
PLUS: Schools with highest student participation receive a $1,500 STEM grant.
Competition period: through April 17
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