STEM education is a vital economic development advantage for quality job growth and opportunity in Iowa. The STEM Council’s Seal of Approval recognizes programs or events that are advancing STEM principles in Iowa communities and cultivating the next generation of innovators. Two programs, Apple Learning Coach and Iowa Afterschool Alliance (IAA) STEM AmeriCorps, recently received this designation.
Apple Learning Coach offers free professional training and resources to help educators develop their skills and expertise in integrating technology into the classroom. As Apple Learning Coaches, Iowa educators are equipped to enhance their teaching methods and engage students in innovative ways. The program fosters innovation, collaboration and effective integration of technology, while engaging students in meaningful and interactive learning experiences.
IAA STEM AmeriCorps Program facilitates STEM activities and lessons for students to apply their STEM learning outside the school day and in real-world situations. IAA STEM AmeriCorps Program addresses the needs in socially vulnerable populations in Iowa and equips youth with the access, support and application needed to thrive and make the connection to possible futures in STEM.
A total of 36 programs have received the STEM Council’s Seal of Approval since 2015. Recipients can leverage the official designation for endorsement and promotion of their program.
“We believe the Seal of Approval will offer additional opportunities to showcase our programs as a legitimate and excellent offering to new network host locations who may not be offering high-quality STEM programs currently,” said Elva Griffin, IAA program coordinator.
To apply or learn more about the STEM Seal of Approval, visit iowastem.org/seal.