Southwest Iowa STEM

Regional Newsletter:

November 2023

The Governor’s STEM Advisory Council at the Iowa Department of Education is accepting applications for the STEM BEST® (Business Engaging Students and Teachers) Program, which aims to launch or expand models specifically focused on creating project-based learning opportunities.

The STEM BEST Program encourages teachers and industry professionals to design project-based learning models that combine STEM subjects with hands-on learning. These experiences highlight the essential skills needed in the workplace and give students the opportunity to learn about different industries and businesses and explore potential career paths in high-demand sectors.

The goal of the awards is to enable students to develop future-focused, high-demand skills to ensure success in STEM (science, technology, engineering, and mathematics) pathways. Iowa public and nonpublic school districts and buildings serving students in grades K-12 may apply for the competitive grant opportunity, which offers awards up to $40,000. The award may be used for many things, including facility upgrades, the purchase of industry-grade equipment, acquiring additional space, travel needs for exploration, and costs associated with planning with partners and integrating curriculum into existing courses.

BEST® Program award.

Timeline:

• October 2 - Application opens
• December 13 - Application deadline
• February 2024 - Awards announced
•  February 2024 - May 2025 - Implementation

Read more about the STEM BEST Program and learn how to apply.

Below are resources for individuals preparing to submit a STEM BEST proposal.

The deadline to apply is quickly

approaching. Applications must be submitted in

IowaGrants.gov by 11:59 p.m. on December 13, 2023.

• STEM BEST Program Overview and Examples
• Student Impact & Curriculum
• Community Partnerships & Professional Development
• Budget Development
• Sustainability, Model & Dissemination
• Evaluation & Next Steps

Having issues submitting your application or have a

question regarding eligibility? Sign up to chat over Zoom

with STEM BEST Program Manager Tanya Hunt using the

appointment page linked below. Select the 15-minute

window that works best for your schedule and a Zoom link

will be added to the calendar invite.

For more information, contact

Tanya Hunt (hunt@iowastem.org) or

Ann Gritzner (gritzner@iowastem.org)

How many times have you heard a student ask,

“When will I ever use this?”

The Iowa STEM Teacher Externships Program aims to help teachers answer that age-old question.

During the summer, STEM educators work side-by-side with knowledgeable and skilled industry employees who help bring the classroom curriculum to life. Iowa STEM Teacher Externships provide educators with the exposure to answer questions about real-world application, prepare students for careers they may have in the future and improve educational experiences.

“The experience I've had here will definitely change how I approach certain topics because I've seen the kinds of skills that the people who work here at different levels need to have. I will be able to give my students an idea of the kind of future employment they can expect to have if they only aspire to certain levels of education and training.”

Doug Darland, Muscatine High School, 2011 Iowa STEM Teacher Extern – Monsanto (Muscatine)

Iowa STEM Teacher Externships began in the summer of 2009 with a few goals in mind:

• Create lasting partnerships between workplaces and local schools.
• Connect Teacher Extern experience with STEM content and 21st century skills identified in the Iowa Core.
• Give students real-world career information about career possibilities right here in Iowa.
• Give teachers the opportunity to see and use the latest real-world applications STEM disciplines in a local business or industry.

Iowa STEM Teacher Externships are full-time, six-week temporary summer positions in local businesses and agencies for secondary teachers of mathematics, science and/or technology. STEM Teachers earn a stipend of up to $5,000 (including two paid professional development days), as well as three graduate credits through the University of Northern Iowa’s Continuing Education program.

Click Here to Apply for an Iowa STEM Teacher Externship.