The 2026-27 STEM Scale-Up Menu is NOW OPEN!

The Iowa STEM Scale-Up Program was first developed in 2012 and has helped thousands of Iowa educators deliver exciting units in robotics, coding, engineering design, agriculture, animal science, health sciences and more, reaching up to 100,000 learners each year.

As one of the Iowa Governor’s STEM Advisory Council’s signature programs, it provides high-quality STEM education programs to PK-12 youth in school and out of school along with training for educators to implement effectively.

Changes starting in 2026:

As the Scale-Up Program enters its 15th year, it is evolving to better meet the needs of Iowa’s educators. Beginning in 2026–27, the program will shift to a three-year model with three program offerings to provide sustained engagement and support. This focused structure gives educators the time, clarity, and consistency needed to strengthen implementation and create lasting impact.

Educators are encouraged to participate for the full three-year cycle to benefit from deeper learning, stronger support, and the opportunity for their ideas to grow and succeed.

Each year, a new cohort of educators will begin implementation. In Year Two, a new cohort will be awarded while Year One awardees continue their work with ongoing support—allowing programs to deepen over time and ensuring long-term success.

Who may apply?



PK-12 educators, both in and out of the classroom, are eligible to apply. Eligible applicant(s) include public and private school PK-12 teachers, youth organization leaders, informal education professionals, librarians, home school associations and others who deliver STEM education programming. The lead applicant may also be an administrator applying on behalf of an educator or a group of educators.

The three STEM Scale-Up programs offered for implementation in 2026-2027 are listed below;

Grade Level: PK - 3

STEMwonder

presented by the Iowa Regents’ Center for Early Developmental Education at the University of Northern Iowa

Carefully curated kits of materials engage students in science and engineering concepts through play-based integrative STEM and literacy experiences that motivate students to use the tools of literacy.

Fact Sheet

Attend the free informational webinars



• Thursday, February 5 at 3:30 p.m. 

• Thursday, February 12 at 4:00 p.m.

• Tuesday, February 17 at 4:00 p.m. 



• Recording after February 17

Grade Level: 4 - 12

Exploring AI and the Future of Work

presented by CodeJoy LLC

Provides a focused and engaging learning experience to address classroom AI integration through hands-on activities.

Fact Sheet

Attend the free informational webinar



• Tuesday, February 17 at noon



• Recording after February 17

Grade Level: 7 - 12

First Tech Challenge (FTC)

presented by the College of Engineering at the University of Iowa

Students design, build and program robots to compete in events. FTC emphasizes innovation, collaboration, and real-world problem-solving through a team-based competition.

Fact Sheet

Attend the free informational webinars

• Monday, February 9 at 3:30pm

• Tuesday, February 10 at 3:30pm



• Recording after February 10

To learn more about the Scale-Up Program click here.

To apply, click on the icon below and click on the login button found in the upper right corner.

Requesting Exhibitors for the

Northeast Iowa Family STEM Festival

The planning committee invites companies/organizations to exhibit at the Northeast Iowa Family STEM Festival on Thursday, April 9 from 5:00 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. at the Waukon High School gym in Waukon.

Why Exhibit?

Exhibitor registration is free, and we simply ask that exhibitors provide a hands-on STEM activity for youth and families to enjoy. This is a fantastic opportunity to engage with the community, inspire young minds, and showcase STEM in a fun and interactive way.

Event Highlights:

• Organized like a street festival or county fair, allowing visitors to explore at their own pace.

• Primarily geared toward PreK-8th grade students and their families, but open to all ages.

• Estimated attendance of 350 attendees from Waukon and surrounding communities.

• A vibrant atmosphere designed to spark curiosity and introduce youth to exciting STEM careers.



• Check out our YouTube video for a glimpse of past events: Watch Here

This will be our second year hosting the festival in Waukon, and we would love for your organization to be part of this exciting event. To learn more, visit our website.

If you have any questions, please don’t hesitate to reach out to Lucy Galloway at gallolab@uni.edu

Bring Learning to Life: Become a Teacher Extern or Business Host

this Summer

Looking for a meaningful way to spend part of your summer? The Iowa STEM Teacher Externships Program gives educators the chance to step outside the classroom and into an Iowa workplace—building new knowledge, learning in-demand skills, and bringing fresh, career-connected ideas back to students.

What is a Teacher Externship?

A Teacher Externship is a short-term summer experience that pairs K–12 educators with local businesses and organizations. During the externship, teachers gain first-hand exposure to how STEM concepts are used in real jobs and industries across Iowa.

You’ll leave with more than a great experience—you’ll return to school with real examples, stronger connections, and new ways to help students understand why what they’re learning matters.

Why Teachers Love It

Participating educators often say externships help them:

• Learn current workplace tools, trends, and skills.
• Discover new career pathways to share with students.
• Build relationships with local employers and professionals.
• Create lessons and activities tied to real-world careers.
• Increase student engagement through hands-on, relevant learning.

Externship Business/Organization Host

The Iowa STEM Council is seeking Iowa businesses and organizations to serve as host sites for this summer’s Teacher Externship Program. Through this unique opportunity, local employers partner with K–12 educators to provide a real-world, behind-the-scenes look at today’s workforce and workplace needs. Teachers gain first-hand experience they can bring back to the classroom—helping students connect STEM learning to high-demand careers here in Iowa.

Hosting an externship is a meaningful way for businesses to support education, build relationships with schools, and help shape the future talent pipeline. It’s also an opportunity to highlight your industry, share career pathways with educators, and strengthen connections between classroom learning and real-world skills.

Applications are now open, and preference will be given to host applications received before March 1. Iowa businesses interested in participating are encouraged to apply early to be considered as a summer host.

To learn more, visit our website.