Battelle Education Wins National Award for Advancing Leadership in Early STEM Education

Innovative K–2 program equips teachers and inspires students with real-world, nuclear energy concepts and workforce-connected learning from an early age.

COLUMBUS, Ohio--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Battelle Education today announced its K–2 Nuclear Energy Program has been named the “Overall STEM Education Solution of the Year” in the 2026 EdTech Breakthrough Awards. The recognition underscores Battelle Education’s role as a national leader in expanding access to high-quality, workforce-aligned STEM learning.

The annual EdTech Breakthrough Awards honor standout solutions across the global education technology sector. Battelle Education earned this top recognition for its K–2 Nuclear Energy Program, which redefines what is possible in early STEM education by introducing advanced scientific concepts at the earliest stages of learning.

“Nuclear energy has historically been excluded from early education as too complex,” said Wes Hall, Senior Vice President for Philanthropy & Education and STEM Learning at Battelle. “This program opens the door to real-world science with engaging and accessible experiences as early as kindergarten.”

Anchored around career-connected stories building literacy, students engage in engineering challenges, and problem-solving activities that make complex ideas tangible and relevant. Teachers receive a full suite of classroom-ready curriculum and instructional kits and ongoing support, enabling immediate classroom implementation.

Early results from participating teachers highlight the program’s effectiveness:

• 100% rated the program 4 or 5 out of 5 stars.
• 83% reported the highest level of confidence in teaching nuclear energy concepts.
• Nearly 92% plan to implement the curriculum in the upcoming school year.

The program was initially launched as a statewide partnership between the Tennessee STEM Innovation Network, the University of Tennessee, Knoxville, and the Tennessee Department of Economic and Community Development. The pilot’s success demonstrates how partnerships can scale innovative STEM education solutions across regions, with potential for nationwide expansion.

“Our goal is to bring this approach to classrooms across the country,” Hall added. “By expanding access to high-quality STEM learning early on, we can help students of all backgrounds and skill levels get ready to take on the energy challenges of the future.”

Looking ahead, Battelle Education sees this model as a path to broader national impact.

About Battelle Education

Battelle Education is a national nonprofit organization launched by Battelle that works with education leaders, school communities, and industry to prepare students for the future of learning and work. Through partnerships, networks, and system-level initiatives, Battelle Education helps advance workforce readiness and opportunity for all students. Learn more at https://education.battelle.org.

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 makes the world better by commercializing technology, giving back to our communities, and supporting science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM) education. For more information, visit www.battelle.org.