Under the sunny skies at the Grove City Parks and Recreation’s Back-to-School Kickoff, a lively crowd of children buzzed with excitement around colorful booths and activities. Among them stood an eye-catching bus offering hands-on STEAM experiences.
Linda Harley observed her 6-year-old daughter engaging with the activities on Ohio State’s 4-H Mobile Classroom. “It was powerful for someone her age to see that she has the capability to make things work,” Harley recalls. “My daughter was amazed. … She put an idea on a tablet and then watched the pen draw it.”
The mobile classroom is on a mission to bridge the technology gap for K-12 students in underserved areas across Ohio and spread the impact of Ohio State’s 4-H Youth Development Program. Led by Christy Millhouse, a dedicated STEM educator with 4-H, the lab provides hands-on learning experiences in science, technology, engineering, arts and math (STEAM).
“We offer over 200 different projects,” Millhouse explains. “But what we do on the bus with the iPads and technology is only one portion of that. Our goal is to inspire kids to engage with technology in creative ways.”
Operating out of a 34-foot bus, the mobile classroom is equipped with iPads, coding software and various educational tools.
“The idea is to help kids get excited about using technology that they may have never been able to access before,” says Millhouse.
Empowering the next generation through interactive learning
The 4-H Mobile Classroom’s interactive approach is designed to demystify technology for students who may have never imagined engaging with programming, robotics or digital art. Millhouse is passionate about fostering confidence in students’ abilities.
“We want kids to see that they can do more than they thought possible,” she says. “We’re opening their minds to what they can achieve through technology.”
Students engage with Apple’s Swift programming language, explore app development, digital art and music creation. “GarageBand on the bus is really popular,” Millhouse notes. “Kids love trying different instruments. We even use sketching apps where they can free draw. It’s not just about coding; it’s about creating.”
For many students, this represents their first encounter with technology at such an advanced level. The mobile classroom offers them a chance to experiment with digital tools, helping them build confidence and develop new skills.
“It’s really empowering for them,” Millhouse emphasizes. “I’ve seen students who thought they’d never be interested in technology discover something they love.”
Millhouse recalls one high school student who initially said, “I do not do technology.” After encouraging him to give it a try, he became fully engaged. Stories like these highlight the lab’s success in making STEAM education accessible and exciting for students who might not have considered it before.
Creating a bridge between students and technology
The 4-H Mobile Classroom’s mission extends beyond providing short-term experiences. Millhouse is committed to connecting students with long-term educational opportunities. “One of the things we’re working on is making sure we connect students to career paths,” she says. “Here’s this really cool coding thing you’re doing, but here’s where you could take it in the future.”
Supported by grants and funding from organizations like the Ohio Department of Education and training and technology support from Apple, Inc., the mobile classroom ensures these programs are offered at no cost to schools and communities. “We’re able to say, ‘It’s free,’ ” Millhouse shares. "That accessibility is crucial for reaching underserved areas."
“We want them to ask, ‘How can I use this to create something new or solve a problem in my community?’”
Parents also appreciate the new possibilities the mobile classroom introduces to their children. “I love to see how it’s evolved,” says Starla Swartz, a former 4-H member and parent. “I really push my kids to get involved with the STEM side of things. … I see that’s the way the world is going.”
Beyond teaching technical skills, the 4-H Mobile Classroom emphasizes fostering creativity. Students are encouraged to use technology as a tool to express ideas, solve problems, and collaborate with peers. “It’s about building confidence and sparking curiosity,” Millhouse explains. “We want them to ask, ‘How can I use this to create something new or solve a problem in my community?’ ”
A catalyst for change
The program’s impact is significant and growing, as the mobile classroom crisscrosses Ohio, traveling from Yellow Springs to Elyria and beyond. Each year, the bus makes over 50 stops, engaging with countless students across the state. More schools, community centers and youth organizations are partnering with Ohio State to bring the mobile classroom to their areas.
“We want students to leave the lab with more than just a cool project,” Millhouse emphasizes. “We want them to leave knowing that they can pursue a future in STEAM if they want it.”
Looking ahead, Millhouse envisions the mobile classroom expanding to offer even more diverse educational experiences. "We don’t just want to be seen as a technology bus," she explains. "We’re calling it the mobile classroom now because we want it to be something that offers a variety of learning opportunities."
Ohio State’s Mobile Classroom is more than just a vehicle for education — it’s a catalyst for change.
By bringing STEAM education to students in underserved communities, Ohio State is showing children across Ohio that they can have a future in technology, creativity and innovation.
As Millhouse puts it, “We’re giving these students an opportunity to see themselves in spaces they might not have thought were accessible to them. And that’s what this is all about — opening doors and inspiring a love of learning.”
Through these efforts, Ohio State’s 4-H Mobile Classroom is not only shaping future problem solvers and creators but is also equipping students with the skills and confidence to step into a future driven by technology and creativity. With each new stop, the bus brings more than just gadgets: It delivers the promise of opportunity, growth and limitless potential.
