STEM BEST Program to Emphasize High Demand Careers

Waukee APEX, a STEM BEST Program model, offers a human services sector that is designed to give students a hands-on experience.
Waukee APEX, a STEM BEST Program model, offers a human services sector that is designed to give students a hands-on, real-world experience as they explore career possibilities.
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.
 
The STEM BEST H.D. (High Demand) Program is designed to support school districts in partnering with employers to prepare students for the workforce in three major Iowa employment sectors: computer science/information technology, health professions and advanced manufacturing. STEM Council funds of up to $40,000, matched 2:1 by cost-share contribution from awardees, may be used for:
  • Facility upgrades
  • Teacher training
  • Purchase of industry grade equipment
  • Acquiring additional space
  • Time for program planning with partners
  • Travel needs
  • Integrating curriculum into existing courses
 
“Connecting what's learned in classrooms to the skills and knowledge needed in the workplace is the mission of the STEM Council's STEM BEST Program,” said Jeff Weld, executive director of the Iowa Governor’s STEM Advisory Council. “The scores of schools and businesses taking part already, representing hundreds of educators and employers alongside thousands of students, present a compelling case for progress toward that mission. We eagerly anticipate welcoming a variety of new STEM BEST Program partners shortly.”
 
In a recent survey the Iowa Governor’s STEM Advisory Council sent to graduates of past STEM BEST Programs, 70% indicated their participation in the program helped influence their career path and 65% said it helped them develop an interest in a STEM-related field. 
 
To access the STEM BEST H.D. Program Request for Proposal or register to attend STEM BEST Office Hours with the Project Coordinator about this opportunity visit www.iowastem.org/BESTHD.
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