Deadline to Apply for the Iowa STEM BEST Program is December 11

The STEM BEST (Businesses Engaging Students and Teachers) program focuses on teachers and industry professionals working side-by-side to craft curriculum and projects that prepare students for exciting STEM careers in manufacturing, information technology, bioscience (agriculture and medicine), finance and more.

Who Can Apply

All accredited Iowa public and non-public school districts and buildings serving students in grades K-12, or clusters of schools/districts, are invited to apply.

Type of Funding Opportunities

School districts and buildings may apply as either a New STEM BEST program or Returning STEM BEST program.

• The New STEM BEST Program supports school districts that have never previously received STEM BEST funding.

• The Returning STEM BEST Program supports school districts that have previously been awarded STEM BEST and are proposing significant growth and/or implementation following a planning award.

STEM BEST Application for Returning Schools

STEM BEST Application for New Schools

Requirements

An applicant is required to provide a 2:1 match. If seeking the full $40,000, your required cost-share would be $20,000. The match may be either cash and/or in-kind support and the match may be contributed by the applicant or a community partner.

Examples of Fund Use

Since 2014, 121 STEM BEST programs have been awarded an opportunity to grow a series of community collaborations involving school + business partnerships.

Ideas include:

• Facility upgrades
• Purchase of industry grade equipment
• Acquiring additional space
• Time for program planning with partners
• Travel needs for exploration
• Integrating curriculum into existing courses

Application & Program Timeline

Starting today, consider programs you'd like to build or expand in your community. Take note of what you hope to accomplish, and make a list of potential community partners. Here are some important dates:

• October 7, 2024: Application opened in IowaGrants.gov
• December 11, 2024: Application due by 4:59 PM CT
• December 2024 - January, 2025: Application Review
• February 2025: Awards Announced
• February 2025 - May 2026: STEM BEST program planning and implementation

STEM BEST Program Help Desk Available

Time is winding down! Submit your 2025-2026 STEM BEST Program application today. If you have questions about the STEM BEST Program or the application process, you can book a virtual "Help Desk" appointment with Program Coordinator, Tanya Hunt.

Visit the STEM BEST Program website for more information and to apply.

Computer Science Education Week

December 9 - December 13

Whether you're planning a week of computer science enrichment or need to fill an unplanned indoor recess, Computer Science Education Week has something for everyone!

From December 9-13, Iowa STEM and many other partners have come together to create K-12 resources.

Students will lean more about computer science, explore career opportunities, and encourage participation in computer science education. This year's theme is CS is Everywhere in Iowa: Be Cybersecure. Below are the scheduled activities for 2024 Iowa Computer Science Education Week!

December 9

• 9:30 AM - 10:30 AM - Iowa CS Ed Week Kickoff with Anthony Kava. Use the Careers Panel Registration Link to sign up for this event. Recorded session will be posted after the event.

December 10

• 11:00 AM -Noon - “Careers in Cybersecurity” Webinar. Use the Careers Panel Registration Link to sign up for this event. Recorded session will be posted after the event.

December 11

• 11:00 AM -Noon - “Pathways to Cybersecurity Careers” Webinar. Use the Pathways Panel Registration Link to sign up for this event. Recorded session will be posted after the event.

December 12

• 6:30 PM - 7:30 PM - Iowa CS Family Night: Students and families will engage in computer science activities. Please use the Iowa CS Family Night Registration Link to sign up. Also visit our map to see any in person locations near you. Recorded session will be posted after the event.

December 13

• Nutcracker Ballet + STEM event: Nutcracker Overview Flyer. Please use the registration link to sign up or take a look at the STEM + Arts Challenges.

For more opportunities,

checkout IowaCSEdWeek.org.

You Could Be A STEM Teacher Extern!

Applications for host sites and teacher externs are open now! Visit the Iowa STEM Teacher Externship Webpage for more information!