12 STEM BEST Program model partner schools will each receive up to $20,000 to extend work-based learning experiences through new summer pilot program
The Iowa Governor’s STEM Advisory Council at the Iowa Department of Education today announced 12 STEM BEST Program model partner schools have been awarded over $200,000 in competitive grants as part of a pilot program this summer. STEM BEST Explore will allow existing STEM BEST Program model partner schools to extend work-based and career-connected learning opportunities for students throughout this summer.
“Learning doesn’t end when summer starts. Through this unique pilot program, students across Iowa can participate in work-based learning and real-world STEM experiences where they apply their knowledge, build networks and gain clarity on their future goals,” said Iowa Department of Education Director McKenzie Snow. “The opportunities supported by the STEM BEST Explore pilot will help students see the connection between the classroom and the workplace, supporting Iowa’s strong talent pipeline for in-demand STEM jobs.”
The STEM BEST® (Businesses Engaging Students and Teachers) Program provides students with career-connected learning experiences. Students and teachers work closely with local workplaces and professionals to introduce and prepare learners for future success in their communities. By helping schools identify and anticipate local workforce needs in collaboration with business professionals, the STEM BEST® Program is able to strengthen Iowa’s future workforce through the development and expansion of work-based learning and career exploration opportunities.
“Students are excited for these expanded hands-on summer opportunities,” said Tanya Hunt, STEM BEST Program coordinator. “The Department of Education is pleased to offer the STEM BEST Explore pilot this summer to support existing models in reaching more students who may not have been able to access work-based learning opportunities during the traditional school year.”
Through an application and review process, the following 12 STEM BEST Program models have been awarded up to $20,000 each to put toward their summer experiences.
Earlham Community School District - High school students will be placed in structured internships with community partners where they will gain hands-on experience while contributing meaningfully to community initiatives.
Pella Community School District - Students will be able to earn an Information Technology (IT) Specialist Certificate of Achievement through intensive training, exposing them to key technology and providing them with employability skills to prepare them for IT careers.
Waterloo Community School District - Students will have the opportunity to deep dive into cybersecurity with some of the nation's leading professionals and businesses at the national CyberCon conference.
Storm Lake Community School District - Students in grades 4-12 will have the opportunity to participate in innovative work-based learning courses that focus on developing critical soft skills and introduce students to high-demand local industries.
Osage Community School District - Students will be able to explore agriculture beyond Iowa’s borders, engaging in real-world learning related to livestock management, cotton farming and agriscience operations.
Holy Family Catholic Schools - Dubuque - High school students will be able to gain firsthand experience in caring for farm animals, crop production and managing farm operation during the peak growing season through an expansion of the Urban Agriculture Enterprises program.
Council Bluffs Community School District - Students in grades 6-8 will have the opportunity to participate in an inquiry-based camp at Henry Doorly Zoo, where they can explore careers in conservation, wildlife management and environmental science.
Iowa City Community School District - Students can attend a transformative week-long residential experience, rotating through immersive half-day programs exploring architectural, biomedical, biomolecular, civil, computer, electrical, mechanical and software engineering.
Cedar Rapids Community School District – Metro High School - Students will participate in industry tours, hands-on workshops and cultural experiences with advanced manufacturing industry partners abroad, bridging classroom learning with real-world applications.
Harlan Community School District - Elementary students will be able to participate in several career exploration sessions hosted by local businesses while middle and high school students will enjoy an in-depth experience focused on STEM and business career pathways.
Marshalltown Community School District - Select students will be integrated into the district's summer "Teacher Externship Program," strengthening workforce connections and readiness in careers like manufacturing, agriculture, health science, construction trades, finance and more.
Cedar Rapids Community School District – CityView High School - Students will be able to participate in hands-on learning at local colleges, exploring high demand STEM fields through real-world projects, mentorship and exposure to cutting-edge technologies.
More information on the STEM BEST Program and the STEM BEST Explore pilot is available on the Department of Education’s STEM BEST webpage.