One of our most important partnerships is with Battelle, the largest non-profit research organization in the world. Battelle was one of the founding members of Metro and their commitment to our school is unyielding. While Battelle makes a significant philanthropic gift to Metro every year, their support goes far beyond a financial commitment, including collaboration on program and curriculum development, and educational research.

Metro is part of Battelle’s 13-state Ohio STEM Learning Network (OSLN) and is the “Hub School” for central Ohio. Metro and OSLN work to increase support for STEM education and recognition of the importance of STEM education nationally.

For more information about Battelle, go to http://www.battelle.org

Another founding partner of Metro is The Ohio State University (OSU). Like Battelle, OSU contributes significantly to Metro and holds three seats on the Metro Governing Board. As an Early College High School, 85% of Metro students graduate with at least some college credit, including some with an associate’s degree. The majority of these credits are earned at Ohio State.

[Click Here to View: 19 Current Metro & OSU Partnerships]

For more information about OSU, go to http://www.osu.edu

The Education Service Center of Central Ohio (ESCCO) provides core services to Metro, including human resource functions for school employees. The ESCCO Treasurer supervises the school budget, prepares financial forecasts and statements, and reports to the Metro Governing Board. In addition, Metro staff regularly attend workshops and trainings offered by the ESCCO.

The PAST Foundation and CORI are important partners in the success of Metro’s robotics team, Metrobots. The PAST Foundation provides space and equipment for the Metrobots and CORI works to secure costly materials and expertise. A founding Metro teacher and Metrobots coach sits on the board of both organizations. In addition, Abbot Labs, American Electric Power, Honda, the Metro PTSA, Ohio Valley Testing, OSU, Battelle, Tech Columbus, and Sci Tech all partner with the Metrobots to provide financial support and expertise.

The Women’s Fund of Central Ohio is a public foundation whose mission is to transform the lives of women and girls by mobilizing the collective power and passion of all women working together.

http://www.womensfundcentralohio.org

The Ohio Arts Council is a state agency that funds and supports quality arts experiences to strengthen Ohio communities culturally, educationally, and economically.

During the 2020-2021 and 2021-2022 school years, Metro received grants to bring in local artists to work with students during January Term. Grants are made possible in part by state tax dollars allocated by the Ohio Legislature to the Ohio Arts Council (OAC). For more information on OAC, visit https://oac.ohio.gov/grants. 

The Ohio Alliance of Independent STEM Schools represents Ohio’s network of seven public STEM schools that operate independent of local school districts. These STEM schools have worked to develop innovative instructional methods with an emphasis on Science, Technology, Engineering and Math (STEM) to prepare students for success in a global economy.

Metro Superintendent Meka Pace serves as president of OAISS and is working to ensure a sustainable and equitable funding model for independent STEM schools in Ohio.

Metro has numerous partnerships and collaborates with various businesses and organizations throughout Ohio including the Columbus Zoo, The Wilds, Reynoldsburg City Schools, First Night, Columbus State Community College, Children’s Hunger Alliance, Shadowbox, Franklinton Gardens, Turner Construction and Nationwide Children’s Hospital. In addition, Metro students engage in internships at hundreds of area organizations and businesses.

Since Metro’s inception in 2006, many area businesses and organizations have been instrumental in our success. A sample listing of major sponsors include:

• Abbott Laboratories AEP Foundation

• Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation

• Battelle Memorial Institute

• Honda of America’s R&D

• The Ohio State University

Future Collaborations

If your business or organization would like to support Metro or partner to offer internship placements or other programs to benefit our students, please contact Anthony Alston, Director of External Affairs (alston@themetroschool.org), to discuss the many ways you can collaborate with us.