(DES MOINES) – The Iowa Governor’s STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics) Advisory Council has awarded 13 new STEM BEST (Businesses Engaging Students and Teachers) projects across Iowa for a total of 50 since 2014. Among the 2018 STEM BEST program awardees, is the CAM and Woodbine Community School Districts in the Southwest STEM Region, and the Sioux City Community School District in the Northwest STEM Region.  The STEM BEST Program fosters a learning environment where students are able to participate in real workplace projects designed by business professionals and teachers and apply K-12 science, technology, engineering and mathematics to skills, knowledge and behaviors needed for STEM careers.

Gov. Kim Reynolds, STEM Council co-chair, said “STEM BEST opens the door to outstanding STEM careers that can transform lives, communities and our state’s economy. I appreciate the collaboration by educators and employers that makes this extraordinary public-private partnership successful. It’s in keeping with the Future Ready Iowa goal of 70 percent of our workforce having education or training beyond high school by 2025.”

The STEM Council Executive Committee voted unanimously to award 13 of 23 proposed new or expanded partnerships up to $25,000 each. Employer partners contribute a dollar-for-dollar match or, in some instances, well beyond a 50 percent cost-sharing commitment. Awards are used for equipping collaborative workspaces, educator training and development in workplace-classroom integration and curriculum development and coordination. Each STEM BEST Program awardee submitted an in-depth proposal, considering factors like education driven by industry need, rigorous, relevant and dynamic STEM curriculum, authentic partnerships and connection to post-secondary education or training. Each awardee will serve as a model to share unique perspective, strengths, demographics and program focus with others schools across the state.

To learn more about the STEM BEST Program and all 50 partners, visit www.IowaSTEM.gov/STEMBEST.