In a lively session of the Ohio Senate Finance Committee, the spotlight turned to Marissa Metz from the National Inventors Hall of Fame, who passionately advocated for the restoration of funding for the Camp Invention program. As she addressed the committee, Metz highlighted the program's significant impact on young Ohioans, emphasizing its role in fostering interest in STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics) education.

Metz shared that Camp Invention, which has been running for 35 years, reached over 120,000 students nationwide last year, including more than 14,000 from Ohio alone. The program aligns with Ohio's Science Learning Standards and has been shown to improve students' math and reading scores, attendance, and aspirations for higher education. However, Metz expressed concern that the program's future is at risk due to a lack of federal funding, which previously supported its expansion.

The Ohio House had proposed a $250,000 annual appropriation to help enroll more low-income students in Camp Invention, but this funding was removed by the Senate. In response, Metz adjusted the request to include a matching funds requirement, demonstrating the National Inventors Hall of Fame's commitment to enhancing STEM education in the state.

As Metz concluded her testimony, she urged the committee to reconsider the funding cut, emphasizing the importance of providing access to high-quality summer programming that could ignite a passion for STEM in hundreds of young Ohioans. The committee's response was muted, with no immediate questions following her presentation, leaving the future of Camp Invention hanging in the balance as the budget discussions continue.

The meeting also featured testimony from Bridal Stroh of Netcare Corporation, who discussed Governor Mike DeWine's executive budget proposal for the upcoming fiscal years, indicating a broader focus on health and education in the state's financial planning. As the committee navigates these critical discussions, the implications for Ohio's youth and educational programs remain a pressing concern.