Berne Union Elementary School Receives Ohio STEM Learning Network (OSLN) Grant
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
December 11, 2025
Berne Union Elementary School Receives Ohio STEM Learning Network (OSLN) Grant
SUGAR GROVE, Ohio – Berne Union Elementary School is pleased to announce that it has been selected as a recipient of the 2025-26 Ohio STEM Learning Network (OSLN) STEM Classroom Grant Program. This $5,000 grant will allow Berne Union Elementary to pursue the project “Launching Young Innovators: Rocketing into Robotics” by purchasing 20 VEX GO construction kits, allowing students to engage in hands-on learning in the classroom.
The OSLN program reaches across 68 Ohio counties, impacting 130 school districts and is funded with support from Battelle. The program is designed to give students the opportunity to develop and enhance their skills in science, technology, engineering and math (STEM) fields – Battelle’s top philanthropic priority. Battelle is passionate about inspiring the next generation of problem solvers and finding innovative solutions to challenges.
“Receiving this grant gives us the opportunity to teach our students the importance of communication, collaboration, and STEM learning by allowing them to engage in the classroom in a new way,” said Melissa Sheets, elementary school STEM teacher at Berne Union. “We’re excited for our students to unleash their creativity and bring their creations to life!”
The VEX GO construction kits give students the space to turn their imagination into possibilities. These kits are designed for students to learn the fundamentals of coding and engineering in a fun and engaging way. The VEX GO kits encourage collaboration, creativity, and inspiration.
“I’m grateful to the OSLN program for believing in the next generation of innovators and giving them a space to create something special at Berne Union,” said Melissa Drury, principal of Berne Union Elementary School.
The Ohio STEM Learning Network is committed to helping the State of Ohio inspire and train the next
generation of innovative leaders. The network operates as a public-private partnership between the
Ohio Department of Education and Workforce and Battelle. To learn more about the program visit osln.org.
Berne Union Local Schools is located in Sugar Grove, Ohio. The mission of the district is to develop students of character, resilience, and adaptability who will become productive citizens in our changing world. More information is available at buschools.com.
