STEM Scale-Up Educator Application

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STEM Scale-Up Program Educator Application

The educator application window for the 2026-27 school year is open. Applications must be submitted in IowaGrants.gov by 4:59 p.m. on March 10, 2026.

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View the STEM Scale-Up Program Menu

Timeline

  • November - December 2025: Selected program providers collaborate with Iowa STEM to prepare materials for the educator application phase.
  • Jan. 27, 2026: Educator application opens in IowaGrants.gov
  • March 10, 2026: Educator application due in IowaGrants.gov by 4:59 p.m. Central Time
  • Week of April 20, 2026: Awarded educators notified.
  • May 2026: Program providers introduced to awarded educators to begin planning.
  • Summer 2026: Initial professional development/training in preparation for program implementation 2026-27 school year.
  • July 2026 - June 2027: Scale-Up Program Implementation
  • Spring 2027 - Awardees affirm commitment to implement for year 2 (2027-2028)
  • Spring 2028 - Awardees affirm commitment to implement for year 3 (2028-2029)

Who Can Apply?

PK-12 cross-curricular educators, both in and out of the classroom, are eligible to apply, so long as they have undergone a criminal background check as a requirement of employment. Eligible applicant(s) include public and private school PK-12 teachers, youth organization leaders, informal education professionals, home school associations, licensed child care centers and others who deliver STEM education programming. Every applicant must secure the commitment and signature of the institution’s lead administrator(s).

Awards Not Grants

STEM Scale-Up programs are delivered to the awarded educator applicants. Funding is provided from Iowa STEM Regional Hub Institutions directly to STEM Scale-Up Program Provider, rather than to the awarded educator applicants. On occasion, some STEM Scale-Up programs may require out-of-pocket funds as noted in their descriptions.

Help Us Evaluate STEM Scale-Up Programs

Once a STEM Scale-Up program has been implemented, all awarded educators are required to participate in assessing the effectiveness of their awarded program with the following:

  • An educator survey to to renew each year of the award
  • A student participant list
  • Note: Some STEM Scale-Up Program providers may request additional evaluation data.

Tips for Completing an Educator Application

  1. Ensure you have an account in IowaGrants.gov.
    1. First-time users will need to set up an account in IowaGrants. Note: It can take up to three business days for a new account to be activated.
    2. For additional instructions on starting and finding a funding opportunity, check out these FAQs and tips to navigate the IowaGrants system.
  2. Check out the STEM Scale-Up Application Help Guide

Required Educator Application Materials & Resources

Questions?

If you have questions about STEM Scale-Up or the educator application process, contact your Regional STEM Manager.