The PAST Foundation

The PAST Foundation is an innovative educational organization dedicated to transforming learning experiences through an integrated ecosystem approach. For over 23 years, the PAST Foundation, a non-profit organization, has been a leader in designing innovative educational opportunities across the nation, bringing problem-based learning to educators and experiential programs to students. At the heart of PAST Foundation’s mission is the development of EcosySTEMs, which aim to address equity challenges to STEM sector workforce through education and revolutionize education. PAST’s work combines several key elements to create a holistic, community-connected educational experience. These include an interoperable digital portfolio system called PortfoliOH, a community-powered “human library” connecting students with local experts and mentors, a virtual work-based learning platform, personalized AI-powered advisory services, and a collaborative governance framework. The foundation emphasizes creating true ecosystems that integrate social and digital infrastructure, focusing on digital equity and preparing students for future success. Their approach is designed to be scalable and adaptable, with the potential to impact hundreds of thousands of students across multiple school districts. By leveraging technology, community partnerships, and innovative governance structures, PAST Foundation aims to bridge the gap between classroom learning and real-world applications, ultimately fostering a more equitable and effective learning environment for all students.