The Iowa Governor’s STEM Advisory Council at the Iowa Department of Education today (Thur) announced 12 STEM BEST Program model partner schools, including Storm Lake, have been awarded over 200 thousand dollars in competitive grants as part of a pilot program this summer.
STEM BEST Explore will allow existing STEM partner schools to extend work-based and career-connected learning opportunities throughout this summer.
Storm Lake Community School District students in grades four through 12 will have the opportunity to participate in innovative work-based learning courses that focus on developing critical soft skills, and introduce students to high-demand local industries.
Each school chosen has been awarded up to 20 thousand dollars each to put toward their summer experiences.
The STEM BEST (Businesses Engaging Students and Teachers) Program provides students with career-connected learning experiences. Students and teachers work closely with local workplaces and professionals to introduce and prepare learners for future success in their communities. A press release states that by helping schools identify and anticipate local workforce needs in collaboration with business professionals, the STEM BEST Program is able to strengthen Iowa’s future workforce through the development and expansion of work-based learning and career exploration opportunities.
