News

STEM Re-alignment Update from the Executive Director

The lead story in January’s STEM newsletter was about the prospect of integrating Iowa’s STEM organization with the Iowa Department of Education on July 1. The amazing accomplishments of this organization thanks to you and thousands more advocates were re-accounted as backdrop for the bright horizons of our new home.

Students from Saint Albert Catholic Schools received hands-on experience with robot-assisted technology in Council Bluffs.

Inspiring the Next Generation of STEM Professionals

Today’s students will be the innovators and enterprising members of our future workforce, leading change in unprecedented circumstances and rising to meet the needs of our communities.

STEM BEST Program students explore opportunities available in the local healthcare industry.

STEM BEST Expansion Leads to New School+Business Partnerships

With 58 STEM BEST (Business Engaging Students and Teachers) models now operating throughout the state, chances are good that you are within driving distance of one or more. These invaluable work-based learning opportunities for students have grown to include nearly 100 school districts and more than 500 employers and other community partners.

STEM BEST® Program model Ankeny Orbis spoke with school board members and administrators at the IASB Convention.

Growing STEM BEST ® Community Invites New Partners

The STEM BEST® Program continues to demonstrate momentum through growth and impact of the program in school districts across Iowa. Of 63 total STEM BEST® Program awards, there are a total of 58 models involving 83 school districts and more than 5,000 students that formed more than 1,300 workplace partnerships from 2014 to 2019.

Collaboration Between Schools and Businesses Grow

Iowa’s STEM imperative continues to grow with the Governor’s STEM Advisory Council welcoming 13 new models to the STEM BEST (Businesses Engaging Students and Teachers) Program, which brings the total to 63 since the STEM BEST Progr