COLUMBUS, Ohio (WSYX) — Partnering Anthropology with Science and Technology (PAST) is a nonprofit organization that works with students and teachers across central Ohio to improve STEM education.
Jessa Goldner is the Associate Director of Student Experience at the PAST Foundation. She designs and leads STEM-related programs, including the Green Education Program.
The Foundation is seeking additional partner schools for the program's second year.
The initiative provides $1,600 to educators who participate in the program and also offers the opportunity to become Eco-School Certified through the National Wildlife Federation. The curriculum includes hands-on projects like composting, recycling, and even reducing gas emissions on school commutes.
Jessa says the goal of the program is to inspire young people with a “green mindset.” Last year, the program reached 4,000 students in seven schools. The students called themselves “Eco Action Teams.” Jessa says the program is empowering.
We're making sure that student voices are heard and that students are talking about these things. They're having conversations with each other and in their classrooms about what sustainability is and how they can do it for the world and for their communities.”
The PAST Foundation has also made an impact nationally, having been recognized by the U.S. Department of Education for innovation excellence in the STEM 2026 Vision Report.
If you're interested in joining or learning more about the Green Educator Program, PAST will be hosting a virtual meeting on Thursday at 3:30 p.m.