Twelve Schools Grow Workplace Experience through STEM BEST Program

Students paired with community and business volunteers to work on real-world projects using their makerspace.
Students from the Central Community School District, a 2021 STEM BEST Program model, are paired with community and business volunteers to work on real-world projects using their makerspace.

The STEM BEST (Businesses Engaging Students and Teachers) Program of the Governor’s STEM Advisory Council drives partnerships of K-12 schools and community employers. Twelve new partnerships were established this spring to provide new experiences in STEM careers for students and emphasize the necessary skills required in today’s workforce during the 2022-2023 academic year. The program encourages collaboration between schools and businesses to develop outstanding STEM coursework. A total of 147 new or expanded partnerships have been created since STEM BEST launched in 2014.

“High-demand STEM jobs in Iowa have grown by 10 percent in just the last two years and are expected to double by 2029,” said Jeff Weld, executive director of the STEM Council. “Our STEM BEST partners are producing the wave of talent the state needs to remain competitive and economically vibrant.”

The 2022 STEM BEST Program awardees are:

  • Cedar Rapids Community School District – Metro High School
  • MOC-Floyd Valley Community School District – Hospers Elementary School
  • MOC-Floyd Valley Community School District – High School
  • Muscatine Community School District – High School
  • Sioux Center Community School District – Middle School and High School
  • Starmont Community School District – Elementary and Middle School
  • Storm Lake Community School District – Early Elementary School
  • Turkey Valley Community School District – Junior and Senior High School
  • Waukee Community School District – Innovation and Learning Center
  • West Des Moines Community School District – High School
  • Woodbine Community School District – Elementary School
  • Woodbine Community School District – High School

The awards are used for curriculum development and coordination, educator training and development in workplace-classroom integration and preparing the career-linked learning environment.

Visit www.IowaSTEM.org/STEMBEST for more information about the STEM BEST Program.

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