OMA Award Spotlight - The Works
On Sunday, April 19, the Ohio Museums Association held our Annual Awards dinner to recognize the winners of our 2025 Awards of Achievement and 2025 Visual Communication Awards, in conjunction with the 2026 Annual Conference in Columbus.
During the ceremony, OMA celebrated the outstanding achievement of Ohio museums in Visual Communications, individual and institutional achievement, and the tireless work museum professionals undertake to help to advance Ohio’s museum community both locally, and on a national level.
Over the next few weeks, we will be highlighting our 2025 OMA Award of Achievement winners with our OMA Award Spotlight.
OMA Award Spotlight - Awards of Achievement
The Awards of Achievement are presented to reflect the outstanding quality and caliber of work by Ohio museums and their professionals in two categories: Institutional Achievement Awards and Individual Achievement Awards.
Nominations for these awards are incredibly detailed. This in-depth process helps to illustrate how these institutions and individuals have gone “above and beyond” the normal call of duty to support their institution, serve their public and advance the cause of the museum community.
Each year, the review panel is overwhelmed by the outstanding projects, innovative programming and dedication to our field as exhibited in each of the institutional and individual nominations. Congratulations again to each of our award winners!
Today, we'll be featuring our winner for the 2025 award for Best Education and Outreach (organizational budget over $500,000).
The Works -STEMfest
STEMfest is The Works’ annual celebration of science, technology, engineering, and math that welcomes 1,500 students, families, and community members to the site. The event features two exciting components: a student design competition and a free, two-day STEM festival. Students in grades 3–12 tackle real-world challenges, such as environmental sustainability, engineering efficiency, and community needs while using the scientific method and engineering design process. The students then present their projects to a panel of judges. Meanwhile, the museum transforms into a hands-on discovery zone with activity stations led by community partners and industry experts. As part of the activities open to the public, the museum becomes a place of exploration where children and adults alike can ask questions, experiment, and interact directly with professionals who use STEM in their daily work.
STEMfest impacts thousands of learners by transforming The Works into a vibrant hub of curiosity, collaboration, and innovation. The student competition empowers students in grades 3–12 to think critically, work as teams, and present ideas to professionals, which strengthens their communication skills and enhances career readiness. The free public festival removes barriers to access while connecting families with scientists, engineers, and industry partners. STEMfest strengthens school-community relationships, sparks interest in STEM careers, and inspires lifelong learning through meaningful, joyful experiences for all ages and communities everywhere.
Event partners include the US Air Force, Intel, PCA, Goodyear, Dow, Behr Paint, Covestro, Owens Corning, and Boeing. As one supporter noted, “Communities ten times bigger than Newark would be thrilled to have a list [of partners] half this long. The Works attracts that engagement routinely.”
Did your museum have an innovative and impactful education or outreach program during the 2026 season? Be sure to nominate it for the 2026 award for Best Education and Outreach! Learn more here.