On April 23, 2025, the Appalachian STEM Collaborative brought together more than 175 educators, workforce leaders, and community partners at Zane State College for a powerful day of learning and connection at the Best Practices in Workforce Development and STEM event. Held in partnership with Ohio Tech Prep and Future Plans/GRIT, the event spotlighted effective models, tools, and partnerships driving progress in the STEM and workforce development landscape.
Attendees participated in 14 dynamic breakout sessions that showcased real-world applications of STEM in education and industry, innovative workforce training strategies, and programs that connect students to meaningful career pathways. Several breakout sessions were led by the Future Plans/GRIT team, offering valuable insights into integrated career planning tools, behavioral health supports, and scalable solutions for rural communities.
The day featured three keynote speakers who inspired and challenged the audience to think boldly about the future:
- Dee Smith (Executive Director of the Ohio Association for Career and Technical Education), who energized the room with strategies for scaling workforce solutions across rural regions.
- Cassie Palsgrove (Director of K-12 Education Policy at Ohio Excels), whose insights on education systems transformation set the tone for forward-thinking collaboration.
- Matt Abbott (President & CEO of OhioSE Economic Development), who offered a practical perspective on regional economic growth and industry engagement.
From hands-on learning to visionary dialogue, the event demonstrated the power of partnerships and community-centered innovation. The Appalachian STEM Collaborative, together with Future Plans/GRIT, continues to be a catalyst for progress across the region—connecting education, workforce, and opportunity.
🔗 Stay tuned for upcoming events and opportunities at: www.stemcollaborativeoh.org
