The STEM Council is partnering with the Iowa Area Education Agencies Online (AEA) to provide Design Days – six 30-minute mini-sessions through October and November and a one-day session in early November to share information and provide STEM BEST Program design support. This opportunity is offered to help local school districts that are interested in applying for the STEM BEST Program navigate the process.
In the mini sessions, facilitators will cover relevant components of a STEM BEST Program proposal. The day-long session will offer in-depth best practices and a walk through all the sections of the application.
The goal of the STEM BEST+ H.D. Program is to support the launch of new or expanded STEM BEST Program models specifically focused on creating work-based learning opportunities that allow students to develop future-focused, high-demand skills through authentic real-world experiences.
IGNITE Pathways (IRPC), a STEM BEST Program at Woodbine Community Schools, focuses on connecting students with skills that brings real world relevance to learning.
“The amount of community members showing interest in the IPRC based on the STEM BEST programming has allowed us the opportunity to showcase a 'new way of learning' that connects directly to businesses and industry needs within our region,” said Justin Wagner, Superintendent of Woodbine Community Schools and IGNITE Pathways. “The STEM BEST program within the IPRC now impacts over 200 students and is providing experiences our students did not previously have available to them and will positively shape their future decisions.”
Applicants must be an established public or private school of Iowa and can apply for up to $40,000 to bring authentic learning opportunities to students through business and education partnerships.
The application opens October 2, 2023. More information is available at iowastem.org/stembest.