The STEM BEST® (Businesses Engaging Students and Teachers) Program focuses on teachers and industry professionals working side-by-side to craft curriculum and projects that prepare students for exciting STEM careers local to their community in manufacturing, information technology, bioscience (agriculture and medicine), finance and more. Since 2014, 121 STEM BEST® Program models have been awarded an opportunity to grow a series of community collaborations involving school+business partnerships.
“The STEM BEST® satellite model will allow students to experience the industry or business environment firsthand. That experience is vital to prepare students for STEM success in college or career training after high school, and it allows business and industry to introduce students to outstanding career opportunities.”
–Governor Kim Reynolds
The STEM BEST® funding opportunity offers:
award amounts up to $40,000.
a 16-month timeframe to spend funds (February 2025 to May 2026).
a cost-share match of 2:1 is required ($40,000 state funds to $20,000 awardee match).
The goal of the STEM BEST® Program is to support the launch of new or expanded STEM BEST® K-12 models specifically focused on creating work-based learning opportunities that allow students to develop future-focused, high-demand skills through real world experiences. These future-focused skills align with the Iowa Academic Standards Universal Constructs and create opportunities for students to become leaders and innovators of a future-focused Iowa.
High Demand Skills Necessary for Future Success
Innovative thinking and analysis
Creativity, originality and initiative
Complex communication and collaboration
Active learning through authentic experiences
Resilience, stress tolerance and flexibility
Reasoning, problem-solving and ideation
APPLICATION OPEN
STEM BEST® Program Application for Returning Schools
The application window for the STEM BEST® Program is open for the 2025-26 school year. Applications are due December 11, 2024 at 4:59 p.m. Central Time.
The application window for the STEM BEST® Program is open for the 2025-26 school year. Applications are due December 11, 2024 at 4:59 p.m. Central Time.
Dec. 11, 2024: Application due by 4:59pm Central Time
December 2024 - January, 2025: Application Review
February 2025: Awards Announced
February 2025 - May 2026: STEM BEST® Program planning and implementation
May 2026: Progress report and final invoice must be submitted
Applications for the STEM BEST® Program must be submitted by accredited Iowa public and non-public school districts and buildings serving students in grades K-12.
Clusters of schools and/or districts are encouraged to apply. This requirement then verifies that the submitting entity will be the responsible fiscal agent. The application must also contain evidence of the roles assumed by the partnering schools/districts and other identified partners.
Different school buildings within an Iowa district may submit an independent STEM BEST® Program model proposal in the same proposal period.
Individual school buildings may not submit more than one proposal in the same proposal period, unless one is for school-specific STEM BEST® Program model creation and another is part of a multi-district consortium.
School Districts and/or School Systems that have been previously awarded a STEM BEST® Program model must complete the Returning STEM BEST® model proposal. Applicants are required to articulate how this proposal is unique from previously awarded STEM BEST® model proposals and what are the goals and objectives for this proposal.
An applicant is required to provide a 2:1 match. If seeking the full $40,000, your required cost-share would be $20,000. The match may be either cash and/or in-kind support and match may be contributed by the applicant or a community partner. To be eligible as match, the cash and/or in-kind contribution must be provided during the funding period of the STEM BEST® Program award.
Facility upgrades
Purchase of industry grade equipment
Acquiring additional space
Time for program planning with partners
Travel needs for exploration
Integrating curriculum into existing courses
Aligning Learning with Workplace Needs
Professional Development for Teachers, Students and Community Partners
Applicant - Person coordinating efforts for application submittal for the STEM BEST® Program. This person submits detailed information with access to the contact information of all necessary parties, such as superintendent(s), principals, community partners, business manager and communications manager for applying school(s).
Program Lead - Person spearheading and coordinating the development and/or efforts of the STEM BEST® Program. In this capacity, this person would be in the best position to report data, impacts, progression and results to the STEM Advisory Council. This person may, at times, also be the applicant.
Returning School- School Districts and/or School Systems that have been previously awarded a STEM BEST® Program, whether or not that program is still active.
