May 9, 2023 -- Avalon Elementary School has been awarded a $10,000 grant through the Ohio Department of Transportation’s DriveOhio initiative. 

The school is the first Columbus City School to receive the foundational DriveOhio Smart Mobility Ambassador Equipment Grant, through the Ohio Department of Transportation. 

“We’re excited. This funding will make a difference for our students,” said Dr. Lenelle Taylor, school principal. “The possibilities are endless.” 

The K-3 school plans to use a portion of the grant to purchase a STEM-based curriculum for its students and teachers - a resource the school hasn’t previously had access to in the past.

“This is an expanded learning opportunity for the [students],” said Stacy Callahan, School Counselor who applied for the grant. “You would be amazed at our students. They have wonderful, genius ideas. They just need the space and opportunity to learn more, and then those ideas will come to life.”

In addition to the STEM curriculum, the Smart Mobility Ambassador grant will be used throughout the year to purchase professional development for teachers, Ozobots, and drones. These investments will also help to kick-start a new STEM Club.

“STEM is all around us,” said Callahan. “It’s a matter of planting that seed and letting them know early on that they can make an impact.”

Together, Callahan and Drive Ohio will be presenting at the 2023 Ohio STEM Innovation Summit, hosted by the Ohio Department of Education on May 12. The presentation covers best practices for engaging elementary students in STEM career opportunities and outreach.

Learn more information about Avalon Elementary at www.ccsoh.us/AvalonES and their school partner Drive Ohio at drive.ohio.org/home.