PAST FOUNDATION

Columbus, OH

Partnering Anthropology with Science and Technology

Celebrating 25 years, PAST began its journey in 2000 with an international group of anthropologists, field and research scientists, museum curators, and educators asking the question, “How can we connect real-world scientific research with classrooms and the public?” Dr. Annalies Corbin founded the PAST Foundation to answer that question. Since then, PAST has reached over 2.7 million students, more than 22,000 educators, and hundreds of business and industry partners all focused on linking learning to life.

BACK TO NETWORK

See for yourself

What it looks and feels like

Entering the PAST Innovation Lab, you enter a world of future education. Gone are the traditional classrooms with desks lined in neat and orderly rows, but rather you will find lab space analogous to industry “glass boxes.” In visiting the Innovation Lab, at times it is difficult to locate the “teacher” in charge because students, teachers, and business/industry professionals are all educators involved in the various programs. Not surprisingly, the educational pathways offered align with current workforce needs, many of which are STEM-related fields offered to students regardless of their socio-economic or personal backgrounds.

I’ve had to learn how to speak to so many different people. I’ve had to learn what to wear in a professional setting. I learned that the workforce isn’t just one thing—and that you don’t need to pick just one path. And now I know I can do anything.
Sanju, High School Senior

THE IMPACT

2.7M+

students involved in PK–16 programs providing STEM-related experiences in afterschool, summer, and year-long programs

22K+

educators implementing student-agency, culturally relevant education, mastery learning, transdisciplinary teaching, and problem-based learning which highlight students prominently

100+

business and industry organizations engaged in building connections between student learning and meeting current/future workforce needs

MODEL HIGHLIGHTS

Innovation

At its heart, PAST is an educational R&D prototyping facility that pushes the boundaries of education. However, its mission of inviting the world to design, construct, and engage in experiences of linking learning to life, has never been more steadfast. We have a responsibility to our community to prepare our students for their futures, even if they are unknown. Therefore, our vision is that PAST joins forces with community, industry, and educators to encompass transdisciplinary teaching and learning to better reflect relevant real-world experiences.

Inclusive Education

PAST works to assure that all students across Central Ohio and beyond have access to its programs. Many grants, partners, and donors provide financial support to ensure that these opportunities are equitable. Featured efforts include summer programs, community-based events, and mentorship programs.

Research-Based

PAST documents and analyzes everything we study, so we have the proof behind our beliefs. After all, many of PAST’s founding members were research scientists, so data is very important. We use this information to help us better meet the needs of students today.