Battelle renews $1.1M investment to expand STEM education through YMCA of Central Ohio

Funding through 2026 will support STEM programs for 44,000 children and families across five counties.

Battelle has announced a renewed $1.1 million investment to expand science, technology, engineering, and math (STEM) initiatives delivered through the YMCA of Central Ohio.

The funding, which runs through 2026, will provide access to learning opportunities for more than 44,000 children and families across the region.

This builds on a two-year partnership from 2022 to 2024 that reached more than 35,000 youth, exceeding its original target.

Tony Collins, President and CEO of the YMCA of Central Ohio, says, “We are deeply grateful to Battelle's continued partnership and unwavering commitment to expanding access to STEM education. 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.”

Integrating STEM into YMCA youth services

The renewed investment will embed STEM learning into all YMCA youth development programs, including early learning, preschool, afterschool care, summer enrichment, and teen-focused initiatives. The programming will have an enhanced focus on kindergarten through fifth-grade students in underserved neighborhoods across Franklin County.

Wes Hall, Senior Vice President of Philanthropy and Education at Battelle, says, “The YMCA is uniquely positioned through its 13 community centers to scale engaging learning opportunities across the region. 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.”

Battelle and the YMCA of Central Ohio have worked together for 23 years to increase educational access. The YMCA serves communities across five counties, supporting youth development, healthy living, and social responsibility. Battelle, headquartered in Columbus, Ohio, applies science and technology to national security, health, life sciences, and environmental solutions.

The latest funding continues the organizations’ focus on improving opportunities for students, particularly in communities with fewer resources.