Ontario Local Schools STEM Lab Gains National Attention
Ontario Local Schools partnered with Buckeye Educational Systems to significantly upgrade their STEM labs after receiving a $642,849 grant from the Ohio Department of Education and Workforce.
What’s New?
The state-of-the-art lab upgrades support Ontario’s broader vision of aligning education with the needs of the modern economy.
The labs feature advanced equipment and hands-on activities like pneumatics and programming. New courses like mechatronics and industrial control systems also help high school students earn industry-recognized credentials. Middle school labs use interactive tools like circuit trainers and simulations to introduce students to diverse STEM careers.
SACA Credentials
High schoolers can earn the following industry-recognized credentials from the Smart Automation Certification Alliance:
- Basic Operations Electrical Systems 1
- Electric Motor Control Systems 1
- Motor Control Systems Sensor Logic Systems 1
- Programmable Controller Systems 1
- Pneumatic Systems 1
- Mechanical Power Systems 1
- Industry 4.0 TPM Smart Sensor and Identification Systems 1
- Smart Factory Systems 1
- Robot System Operations 1
- Robot Systems Integration 1
- Smart Manufacturing Fundamentals 1
- Hydraulic Systems 1
Richland Source
“Ontario’s upgraded STEM Labs gain national attention” by Katie Ellington Serrao
“Ontario Schools awarded record-breaking grant to expand Career Tech” by Katie Ellington Serrao
Ontario’s goal is to increase the number of students with a CTE concentration from 9.7% to 20% by 2027!
Chris Smith, Keith Strickler, and Heath Sager
“When the kids walk in the room, we want them to know that this is something different — this is something special that they’re going to get to do in here.”
-Keith Strickler, Superintendent