Mobile, one-day STEAM program will reach rural and suburban middle schoolers in partnership with Career Tech Schools.

(PRUnderground) October 1st, 2025

Battelle is funding the expansion of A Tribe for Jazz’s groundbreaking program, Jazz Lab 2.0, extending access to middle school students in rural and suburban communities around I-270. This mobile, one-day STEAM experience transforms school gyms and community spaces into pop-up innovation studios where students explore jazz, technology, and future career pathways.

Operating from October 2025 through May 2026 in partnership with Eastland-Fairfield Career & Technical Schools and C-TEC of Licking County, Jazz Lab 2.0 builds on a successful Battelle-funded pilot and marks the next phase in scaling a unique, interdisciplinary model across Ohio.

Scaling for Equity

Jazz Lab launched in ten Columbus after-school programs, introducing students with limited access to STEAM opportunities to the creative intersections of music and technology. With Battelle’s renewed support, Jazz Lab 2.0 is moving into county-wide delivery with career tech partners — a critical step toward eventual statewide reach.

Students will experiment with VR soundscapes, remix video game scores, explore the science of sound, and experience the improvisational spirit of jazz — all while connecting those activities to STEAM careers.

“At a time when too many students in rural and under-resourced communities are left out of meaningful STEAM opportunities, our goal is simple: light the spark of curiosity, connect it to opportunity, and show students in every corner of Ohio that they belong in the future of innovation,” said Stephanie Matthews, Executive Director of A Tribe for Jazz.

“By funding both proven programs and bold new ideas, we seek to help students see STEM as a pathway to exciting careers solving the problems that matter most to our communities,” said Wes Hall, Senior Vice President of Philanthropy and Education at Battelle.

A Career Tech Partnership

Partnerships with career tech schools are central to expanding Jazz Lab’s impact, ensuring students begin making early connections between creativity and career pathways.

“At Eastland-Fairfield, we know career exploration must begin before high school. Jazz Lab 2.0 gives middle school students a hands-on, creative way to connect their interests to real opportunities in STEAM fields. By meeting them early with engaging, immersive experiences, we’re helping them build confidence and envision pathways into high school, higher education, and beyond,” said Jennifer Blackstone, Assistant Superintendent at Eastland-Fairfield Career & Technical Schools.

“For career tech educators, Jazz Lab 2.0 creates an exploratory environment where middle school students can begin connecting creativity to career pathways. Through music and imagination, we can ignite interest in design, technology, and engineering — and help students envision futures they hadn’t imagined,” said Jayme Blackstone, Career Development Coordinator at C-TEC of Licking County.

About Battelle
Every day, the people of Battelle apply science and technology to solving what matters most. At major technology centers and national laboratories around the world, Battelle conducts research and development, designs and manufactures products, and delivers critical services for government and commercial customers. Headquartered in Columbus, Ohio since its founding in 1929, Battelle makes the world better by commercializing technology, giving back to our communities, and supporting science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM) education. For more information, visit www.battelle.org. 

About A Tribe for Jazz

The mission of A Tribe for Jazz is to preserve the legacy and advance the future of jazz through visual storytelling, live and virtual performances, education, and community engagement. For more information, visit www.atribeforjazz.org. IG: @atribeforjazz_ and FB: A Tribe for Jazz.

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Original Press Release.