STEM BEST Program Logo for Iowa STEM

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. 

APPLICATION OPEN

STEM BEST® Program Application for New 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. 

STEM BEST® Program Models

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