Ohio State and Meta partner to launch STEM Innovation Hub for next-gen workforce
The Ohio State University plans to open a new cutting-edge classroom facility—dubbed the Meta STEM Instruction Innovation Hub—thanks to a $700,000 grant from Meta’s New Albany Data Center. The tech-enhanced space will open in 2026 and serve as a cornerstone of the university’s broader STEM Instruction Innovation Enterprise.
About the Hub
The Meta-funded hub will accommodate 150 students at a time and is expected to benefit over 1,200 students per semester in math and chemistry courses, with eventual expansion to support 16,000 STEM students annually across disciplines. The space will foster collaborative, active learning through tech-enabled group work and inclusive instruction.
The project reflects a growing statewide push to fuel Ohio’s tech economy by modernizing higher education and preparing students for careers in high-demand fields.
Once fully built out, the STEM Instruction Innovation Enterprise will feature three large active learning hubs in Ramseyer Hall, including the Meta Hub, totaling over 12,000 square feet. The full initiative is expected to be operational by the 2026–27 academic year.
Meta's broader investment in Ohio
Meta's support for the STEM Innovation Hub is part of its larger investment in Ohio's technological infrastructure and education. In addition to the New Albany Data Center, Meta announced in early April plans to build an $800 million AI-optimized data center in Northwest Ohio. This facility will be Meta's second data center in the state and is expected to create approximately 100 operational jobs, with over 1,000 workers on-site during peak construction.
What they’re saying
“We are thrilled to partner with Ohio State University and provide students with access to cutting-edge learning environments and opportunities that will help them succeed in STEM-related fields,” said Amanda Miller, Community Development Regional Manager at Meta.
“Evidence shows that students who experience the benefits of active learning in early classes are more likely to persist in STEM fields and to graduate on time, fueling the needs of Ohio’s economy," added OSU College of Arts and Sciences Dean David Horn.
What’s next
As Ohio grows its footprint in high-tech industries—from data centers to advanced manufacturing—projects like this signal how educational institutions and companies like Meta are laying the foundation for a tech-ready, future-focused workforce.