The Storm Lake Community School District has been selected by the Iowa Governor’s STEM Advisory Council to receive a 2026–27 STEM BEST Program award.
Storm Lake is one of 31 districts statewide chosen for the honor.
The district will receive $40,000 to support curriculum development, staff training, and classroom‑to‑workplace learning experiences that connect students directly with local business partners.
Superintendent Dr. Stacey Cole says the award is an opportunity to expand learning beyond school walls and help students see how their education ties to the world around them. She adds that by working closely with community partners, Storm Lake schools can provide meaningful experiences that better prepare students for life after high school.
The STEM BEST (Businesses Engaging Students and Teachers) Program will expand partnerships with local businesses to support hands‑on, career‑connected learning. Educators, students, and business leaders will collaborate through shared professional learning focused on skills such as marketing, customer service, financial literacy, management, and product development. The program also emphasizes youth mentorship, giving students guidance from professionals in the community.
Teachers will take part in externships with local businesses, while students will gain leadership experience through the district’s student‑run school store. The store will serve as a hub for real‑world learning, aligning business practices with academic standards in science, business, and English. Students will earn credit for both classroom instruction and workplace experience, while ongoing collaboration and feedback will ensure the store remains a high‑quality learning environment that prepares students for college, careers, and entrepreneurship.
To be considered for the award, Storm Lake submitted a detailed proposal outlining how the district will deliver STEM instruction, partner with local businesses, sustain the program, and evaluate student learning outcomes.
Other area school districts receiving a $40,000 2026-27 STEM BEST Program award include the Pocahontas Area Community School District, MMCRU (Marcus-Meriden-Cleghorn-Remsen-Union Community School District), and Harris-Lake Park Community School District.
The STEM BEST Program is designed to strengthen connections between schools and industry across Iowa, ensuring students graduate with both academic knowledge and practical skills.
