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Spencer High School was selected to develop a school district work-based learning plan.

Nine School Districts to Pioneer Work-Based Learning Plans

Nine school districts have stepped up to create K-12 work-based learning plans that do four things:

Detail a spectrum of innovative WBL options connecting K-12 classrooms to future careers;
Integrate WBL in a cohesive way across grade levels and content disciplines to diverse students;
Involve businesses and other community partners; and

Waukee APEX, a STEM BEST Program model, offers a human services sector that is designed to give students a hands-on experience.

STEM BEST Program to Emphasize High Demand Careers

The STEM Council is focusing a special round of the STEM BEST (Businesses Engaging Students and Teachers) Program to help prepare students to enter job sectors that are in high demand, made possible by legislated support funding through the Iowa Economic Development Authority.

High school students from Saint Albert Catholic Schools, a STEM BEST Program model, code with robotics.

STEM Council’s STEM BEST Program to Emphasize High Demand Job Sectors This Fall

2021-2022 STEM BEST Program mentors play a critical role in supporting the expansion of work-based learning in Iowa.

STEM BEST Program Gets Boost from Expert Mentors

From resources and webinars to workshops and handbooks, the STEM Council provides a strong support system to assist STEM BEST Programs throughout the year. These supports are made possible through the valiant efforts of the team, including STEM Council Program Coordinator Tanya Hunt and the STEM BEST Program mentors.

Graduates from the STEM Council’s STEM BEST Program models across Iowa cited these “lasting impressions” of their involvement.

Return on Investment for STEM BESTs

"STEM BEST has provided me the skills and techniques necessary to handle a large variety of problems in my life, as well as improved my social skills.

Tips for implementing authentic learning for students through the STEM BEST Program.

Insider Look at Launching a STEM BEST Program

Authentic learning experiences allow students to gain important life skills at an early age, while equipping them for future education and employment opportunities. STEM BEST Program partner, Rachael Strong of North Fayette Valley, worked with Keystone Area Education Agency to develop a video about how to implement authentic learning for students through the STEM BEST Program.

STEM BEST Application Opens

The STEM Council is now accepting applications for the STEM BEST (Business Engaging Students and Teachers) Program, which brings schools and businesses together to provide students with real workplace experiences while earning academic credits. The opportunity is available to Iowa public and non-public school districts and buildings serving students in grades K-12.

The STEM Council and Iowa Workforce Development hosted a Webinar “The Scoop on High School Registered Apprenticeships."

Supporting Registered Apprenticeships in STEM

Inspiring Iowa’s young people to become innovative, enterprising contributors to our future workforce is part of the mission of the STEM Council. The STEM BEST Program and high school Registered Apprenticeships both work towards this goal and offer work-based experiences in preparation for future careers.

Students from BCLUW engage local business partners as part of their STEM BEST Program.

Strength in STEM BEST Network

The STEM acronym goes beyond science, technology, engineering and mathematics and incorporates many other disciplines and skill sets for both students and educators. BCLUW High School Science Teacher Roberta Vanderah has experienced this first-hand through their STEM BEST Program.

The 2018 STEM BEST partner Okoboji No Boundaries Leaving a Legacy team looks at blueprints of the new middle school.

Twelve STEM BEST Models Join Innovative Education Community

Iowa’s STEM initiative continues to grow with 12 new STEM BEST® (Businesses Engaging Students and Teachers) Programs recognized, administered by the STEM Council.

STEM BEST Programs Iowa BIG North and No Boundaries collaborate to provide opportunities for students.

Iowa’s STEM BEST Future Workforce

Growing the number of community collaborations involving school and business partnerships through the STEM BEST Program continues to be a goal for the Governor’s STEM Advisory Council. By helping expand the learning continuum from school to careers, the benefits of this program have been felt throughout communities across Iowa.

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