Nominate an Amazing PreK-12 Teacher

The Iowa STEM Advisory Council at the Iowa Department of Education is accepting nominations for the Iowa STEM Teacher Award Program!

Administrators, teachers, counselors, parents, students, and community members are invited to nominate an inspirational science, technology, engineering or mathematics teacher for the prestigious 2025 Iowa STEM Teacher Award Program.

The Iowa STEM Teacher Award Program honors teachers who make a lasting impact on students by fostering lifelong learning and inspiring a passion for STEM, both in the classroom and beyond. The award recognizes one full-time, licensed PreK-12 Iowa STEM teacher from each of the state’s six STEM regions. Each of the six selected recipients will receive a monetary gift for their classroom and another for personal use. The deadline to nominate a teacher is November 15.

Nominating a teacher is easy. To nominate a teacher today, click on the button below.

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

Applications to become a STEM BEST program opened on October 7, via the IowaGrants.gov portal. All accredited Iowa public and non-public school districts and buildings serving students in grades K-12, or clusters of schools/districts, are invited.

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.

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

STEM BEST Application for Returning Schools

STEM BEST Application for New Schools

The Cedar Valley Family STEM Festival Ignites Passion for Learning and Discovery

Approximately 850 people in and around the Waverly area dived into the thrilling world of STEM, where they encountered the wonders of Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM) at the Cedar Valley Family STEM festival. This vibrant celebration was not just about fun; it's about igniting a passion for learning and discovery in our youth.

Families were treated to a fantastic array of 51 engaging hands-on activities that not only ignited curiosity but also highlighted the vital importance of STEM education and career pathways.

A huge thank you goes out to the volunteers and exhibitors whose efforts turned this evening into an unforgettable experience, reminding us all that education can be both fun and transformative!