STUDENT GUIDE TO OHIO STEP 2025 - 2026

Ohio STEP is a Science, Technology, and Entrepreneurship Program that immerses students in scientific inquiry and technological/engineering design. Students identify real-world problems, conduct authentic research, and propose innovative solutions. They also develop essential entrepreneurial skills to assess the market feasibility of their ideas. Participants can showcase their projects at the Ohio STEP Virtual State Competition where they can earn sponsored awards and academic recognition.  By participating in Ohio STEP, students not only gain a deeper understanding of STEM and how it is used in innovation, but also experience the processes involved in being an entrepreneur!

Contents:

• Who Can Participate?
• How Do I Get Started?
• Project Choices
• Workspace Options
• Teams
• Competition 
• Submitting Projects to the Ohio STEP Virtual State Competition
• Required Project Components for Competition
• Where Can I Find All Project Resources?
• Resources Checklist

Who Can Participate?

Students in grades 6-12 are eligible to participate in Ohio STEP!

How Do I Get Started?

1. Locate a teacher or other professional who will supervise the work. 

If no one is available to help you and oversee your project, please contact The Ohio Academy of Science at info@ohiosci.org to request a class code to join our online classroom.

2. Create a ProjectBoard Account

ProjectBoard is an online social learning platform used by the Ohio Academy of Science for building, submitting, and judging projects.  Students must create a ProjectBoard account to participate in Ohio STEP.

To Create a ProjectBoard Account:

• Visit ProjectBoard at https://partner.projectboard.world/oas/
• Select “Student Portal”.
• Select the “Start Here” button.
• Complete the ProjectBoard account creation questions.
• Write down your username and password in a safe place for future reference.

3. Choose your project type (see choices below)

Project Pathways

Students can choose to complete one of the following projects:

Grades 6-8:           

• Summary Plan and Pitch. 

Students will write up to a five-page summary and complete a two-minute pitch video of their idea. The number of pages is a guide and not a mandatory number. Use the target number of pages (5) plus or minus 1-2 pages for the page length as long as all requirements are met, and the plan is concisely written.

Grades 9-12:

Students can choose from:

• STEM Commercialization Plan and Pitch.
• STEM Business Plan and Pitch.

Students will write up to a twelve-page plan and complete a two-minute pitch video of their idea. The number of pages is a guide and not a mandatory number. Use the target number of pages (12) plus or minus 1-2 pages for the page length as long as all requirements are met, and the plan is concisely written.

Workspace Options

Students can choose to complete their projects through ProjectBoard by starting a Student Workspace Template or by downloading a Student Workbook. 

Student Workspace Template in ProjectBoard:

• Create a ProjectBoard account.
• Select “My Projects” tab.
• Select a project type to start.
• Change the title and description.
• Press “Save”.
• Access your project from the “My Projects” tab.

Student Workbook for download:

• Visit ProjectBoard at https://partner.projectboard.world/oas/
• Select the “Ohio STEP” tab.
• Select “Resources”. 
• Select “Workbooks”.
• Select the Workbook for the type of project you wish to complete.
• Download and print.

Teams 

Teams can have up to three students.  Students cannot be separated by more than one grade level in grades 6-8.  In grades 9-12, any combination is allowed. If working in a team, each member will need to create their own ProjectBoard account.  Then, one member will create the Workspace and/or Submission Project template and add the other team members to the project. All members of a team must participate in and be seen in the pitch video presentation.

Competition

All students can submit a project to the Ohio STEP Virtual State Competition.  Students with winning projects will receive awards! 

Submitting Projects to the Ohio STEP Virtual State Competition

• Start a Submission Project under “My Projects” tab in ProjectBoard.
• Upload the required components under each labeled section.
• Competition Fee = $30 per student.
• Select your judging category (Summary, STEM Business Plan, or STEM Commercialization Plan) and fill in remaining questions.

Required Project Components for Competition 

To participate in the Ohio STEP Virtual State Competition, you will need to start a SUBMISSION PROJECT in PROJECTBOARD have the following uploaded to your Submission Project:

1. OAS Consent and Release Agreement Form
2. Written Plan
3. Pitch Video
4. 3-Year Financial Projection (STEM Business Plan only)

OAS Consent and Release Agreement Form

All students and parents must read and agree to the OAS Consent and Release Agreement to participate in Ohio STEP.

COPPA (Children's Online Privacy Protection Act)

Parent or classroom teachers of students under 13 must read and agree to the COPPA requirements to participate in Ohio STEP.

Written Plan

A written plan is required including in-text citations and a reference list using MLA or APA-style formatting. DO NOT INCLUDE LINKS TO OUTSIDE DOCUMENTS WITHIN THE WRITTEN PLAN!  If the information is required or important for the proof of concept, it must be included as part of the Written Plan.  

Pitch Video

A two-minute pitch video showcasing your idea is required. This is a product pitch and not a commercial or classroom presentation so must include the required elements listed in the Pitch Guidelines and the Judging Card.

Where Can I Find All Ohio STEP Project Resources?

• Visit ProjectBoard at https://partner.projectboard.world/oas/ 
• Select the “Ohio STEP” tab. 
• Select “Resources”.
• Direct Link: https://partner.projectboard.world/oas/resources

Resources Checklist:

• Ohio STEP Student Workbooks or Online Templates
• Written plan templates for the Summary Plan, STEM Business Plan, or STEM Commercialization Plan
• Pitch Builder Graphic Organizer
• Pitch Guidelines
• 3-Year Financial Projection Template (STEM Business Plan only)
• Judging Cards

Where can I Find OAS Program Resources?

• Visit ProjectBoard at https://partner.projectboard.world/oas/resources
• Select from blue text entries under “OAS” tab.

Resource Checklist for Ohio STEP Deadlines and Competition

• 2025-2026 OAS Timeline
• OAS Consent and Release Agreement Form