Battelle Invests $1.1 Million to Expand STEM Education Through YMCA of Central Ohio

COLUMBUS, Ohio--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Battelle announced a renewed $1.1 million investment in the YMCA of Central Ohio today to continue critical STEM initiatives through 2026. This extended partnership will provide access to learning opportunities for more than 44,000 children and families across Central Ohio.

Building on Proven Success

The latest partnership builds on the success of an initial two-year program that served more than 35,000 youth between 2022 and 2024, significantly surpassing its original goal.

"We are deeply grateful to Battelle's continued partnership and unwavering commitment to expanding access to STEM education," said Tony Collins, President & CEO, YMCA of Central Ohio. "Because of their generosity, we can truly say that every child we serve—across five counties—is engaging with hands-on STEM learning that sparks curiosity, builds confidence, and inspires future careers."

Expanding Access Across All Youth Programs

The renewed investment will integrate STEM education across all YMCA youth development programs, ensuring access to vital learning at every stage including:

• Early Learning & Preschool
• Afterschool Care
• Summer Enrichment
• Teen Programs

The initiative includes an enhanced focus on kindergarten through fifth grade youth, delivering programming in underserved neighborhoods throughout Franklin County.

“The YMCA is uniquely positioned through its 13 community centers to scale engaging learning opportunities across the region,” said Wes Hall, Senior Vice President of Philanthropy & Education at Battelle. “We hope to make STEM more accessible to families in locations where they are already engaging in the community to help students build successful futures in Ohio.”

This latest program will build on a 23-year partnership between Battelle and the YMCA of Central Ohio.

Those interested in learning more about the programs available through this partnership can visit https://www.ymcacolumbus.org/ for additional information and registration details.

About the YMCA of Central Ohio

The YMCA of Central Ohio works alongside communities to ensure access to opportunities for all. Through its focus on youth development, healthy living, and social responsibility, the YMCA serves communities across five counties, providing programs and services that help individuals reach their full potential.

About Battelle

Every day, the people of Battelle apply science and technology to solving what matters most. At major technology centers and national laboratories around the world, Battelle conducts research and development, designs and manufactures products, and delivers critical services for government and commercial customers. Headquartered in Columbus, Ohio since its founding in 1929, Battelle serves the national security, health and life sciences, and energy and environmental industries. For more information, visit www.battelle.org.