Families are Invited to the Cedar Valley Family STEM Festival on October 16 in Waverly

Students and their Families are invited to attend the Cedar Valley Family STEM Festival on Thursday, October 16 from 4:00 to 7:00 p.m. at “The W” on Wartburg College Campus, 100 Wartburg Boulevard, W Bremer Ave, Waverly, Iowa. The festival is free and open to the public.

Get ready to dive into the thrilling world of STEM with us at our upcoming festival, where the wonders of Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM) come alive for students and families across eastern Iowa! This vibrant celebration is not just about fun; it's about igniting a passion for learning and discovery in our youth. Explore hands-on activities that spark curiosity, while raising awareness of the importance of STEM-related educational and career opportunities for families. Come join us for an afternoon filled with inspiration, fun, and the chance to envision a bright future in STEM—because who knows? The next great innovator could be right around the corner!

EXPRESS REGISTRATION

Expedite registration at the event by filling out the Express Registration. Bring the completed form with you the day of the event.

Organized like a street festival or county fair, visitors can stroll from activity to activity at their own pace. While the event is primarily geared towards PreK-8th grade students and their families, there’s something for all ages to enjoy.

With over 50 exhibits, the festival features hands-on, interactive STEM activities, including the chance to drive a robot, conduct exciting science experiments, and much more. The event is free and open to the public, with exhibitors ranging from businesses and industries to higher education institutions, K-12 schools, museums, non-profit organizations, and government agencies.

To learn more, visit

neiowastem.com/stem-festivals/cedar-valley-family-stem-festival

Nominate a Teacher for the Iowa STEM Teacher Award

Between now through October 22 the Iowa STEM Advisory Council, in partnership with Google, is accepting nominations for the 2026 Iowa STEM Teacher Award.

This award recognizes full-time, licensed PK–12 teachers whose passion for science, technology, engineering, and mathematics goes above and beyond the classroom. These teachers spark curiosity, inspire students to see the possibilities in STEM, and help prepare the next generation for success in Iowa’s workforce.

Nomination Deadline

Wednesday, October 22 at 4:59 pm

Who can Nominate a Teacher

Students, parents, administrators, teachers, and others are invited to nominate an outstanding teacher.

The Nomination is Easy

In no more than 1000 characters, describe why you are nominating the teacher for the Iowa STEM Teacher Award.

Award Details

One teacher from each of Iowa’s six STEM regions will be honored. Each recipient will receive $1,500 for their classroom and $1,500 for personal use.

CONGRATULATIONS TO PAST AWARDEES

Additional information about the Iowa STEM Teacher Award is available on the Iowa Department of Education’s website. Award recipients will be announced in early 2026.

You're Invited to the

Iowa STEM Summit

DATE: Friday, October 17

TIME: 8am - 4pm

LOCATION: Community Choice Convention Center, Des Moines

This event, sponsored by Microsoft, is perfect for classroom teachers, students, administrators, business partners, and community leaders. Attendees will find valuable insights and connections to help advance STEM education and workforce connections in Iowa. And there's so much more than AI!

Registration DEADLINE: October 9

This FREE full-day schedule features the following:

• 8 a.m. - 9 a.m.:Check-In and Networking
• 9 a.m.: Welcome
• 9:45 a.m. - 11:45 a.m.: Breakout Sessions
• Noon: Lunch
• 12:45 p.m.: "It's Not Magic, It's Science!" Keynote by Jay Flores
• 1:45 p.m. - 3 p.m.: Breakout Sessions
• 3:15 p.m. - 4:00 p.m.: Closing Keynote and Final Remarks

Full Agenda

STEM BEST Funding up to $50,000

The Iowa STEM BEST® (Businesses Engaging Students and Teachers) Program application opened September 4, 2025, and closes November 10, 2025. This funding opportunity offers:

• award amounts up to $50,000.
• a 16 to 17-month time frame to spend funds.
• a cost-share match of 2:1 is required ($50,000 state funds to $25,000 awardee match).

The money can be used to create and grow programs where teachers and industry professionals work side-by-side to ensure an incredible student learning experiences. Areas to consider include, but aren't limited to:

• information technology,
• bioscience (agriculture and medicine),
• finance,
• manufacturing,
• building trades and more.

SUCCESS IS IN THE DETAILS

1. Begin with the end in mind, so read over the rubric early in the process. Here is one for returning applicants and the one for new applicants.
2. There are lots of ways to look at Cost Share. Here's a PDF that shows what districts can consider.

Application for New Schools

Application for Returning Schools

NOT SURE IF YOUR IDEA FITS THE FUNDING OR YOU HAVE QUESTIONS?

Tanya Hunt, Iowa STEM BEST Program Coordinator, is available to answer your questions. Don't hesitate to reach out to her as you get started. Email: tanya.hunt@iowa.gov

For those interested in applying or learning about STEM BEST, the Iowa STEM Council is also providing webinar sessions to assist your school with the application. The webinars will have a primary focus of coaching and covering all the aspects within the application process with the intent being to serve as a resource for those applying.

October 21st - Click here to register.

October 22nd - Click here to register.

October 29th - Click here to register.

October 30th - Click here to register.

Please reach out to Jeff Beneke, Northeast Iowa STEM Hub Manager, if you're considering a STEM BEST application.

STEM COUNCIL Seeks Scale-Up Programs for 2026-29

The Iowa STEM Council is seeking organizations to provide prospective programs for the 2026-29 STEM Scale-Up program menu. Through a proposal and selection process, program providers will need to provide evidence-based STEM programs for Iowa STEM Scale-Up educators to use in their classrooms and out of school learning spaces.

The intent of the program is to develop or expand exemplary STEM programs that have future sustainability and the power to inspire and educate PK-12 students.

TIMELINE FOR THE 2026-29 STEM SCALE-UP PROGRAM

• September 17, 2025: RFP for program providers opened on State of Iowa bid opportunities website

• September 25, 2025: RFP written questions, clarification requests and suggested changes due to the issuing officer.

• October 8, 2025: Follow-up RFP written questions, clarification requests and suggested changes due to the issuing officer. No questions accepted or responded to after this date.

• October 22, 2025: RFP for program providers closes

• November 2025: Selected program providers notified, *subject to change

• January 2026: Educator application opens

• July 1, 2026: Implementation period begins

ELIGIBLE APPLICANTS

Organizations that provide STEM programs that serve PK-12 students in or out of school with the capacity to deliver professional development/training and materials in Iowa are eligible to apply to provide programs for STEM Scale-Up.

To learn more, visit educate.iowa.gov/iowa-stem/stem-scale/program-provider-application