COLUMBUS, Ohio -- The Ohio Academy of Science has developed a new 'roadmap' intended to guide students to more rewarding futures via an education in science, technology, engineering and mathematics, or STEM.
The roadmap in this case is a chart that serves as a brainstorming tool to help high school students to develop STEM-related commercialization and business plans in a $2 million statewide competition, the academy said.
It's all part of the Believe in Ohio program, a free initiative sponsored by the Academy of Science and Entrepreneurial Engagement Ohio that helps young people prepare for their futures and encourages them to become innovators and entrepreneurs who will, in the long-term, become engines for job creation.
Believe In Ohio helps students develop their critical thinking skills and offers them an opportunity to compete for nearly $2 million in cash awards and college scholarships. Competitions will be held in schools, multi-county regions and at the state level.
The goal is to open students’ eyes to what they would likely experience after they graduate and how to prepare for it, inspire students to develop interests in STEM and learn where many of the best jobs and careers will be, plant seeds of entrepreneurship to give them the tools to create their own futures and provide a competition for cash awards and Ohio college scholarships.
Ohio high school science, technology and business teachers also will benefit from Believe in Ohio through grants, professional development and more. They also can be recognized as accomplished teachers under Ohio’s new teacher evaluation system.
Brainstorming mileposts that students must reach include statement of a problem, a proposed solution, underlying STEM concepts, target customers and intended users, competitors, value proposition or competitive advantage, revenue streams and operating costs. Written reports for competition require an elevator speech and an executive summary.
STEM commercialization plans must contain a scientific or engineering proof of concept while a STEM business plan also must provide a business or financial proof of concept with a projected three- year budget.
Published by The Business Journal, Youngstown, Ohio.
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