Southwest Iowa STEM Regional Newsletter

STEM BEST Applications Open!

Applications are now open for #STEMBEST programs. Apply for the opportunity to work with industry professionals to build classroom curriculum that prepare students for careers in STEM!

Application is due May 9!

Southwest 2022 Iowa STEM Teacher Award

Congratulations to Adam Cox, our Southwest recipient of the 2022 Iowa STEM Teacher Award, presented by Kemin Industries and the Iowa Governor’s STEM Advisory Council.

Mr. Cox was recognized for his ability to help students find a passion for STEM, whether in a traditional classroom or hands-on, career-based curriculum. As an instructor for the Ignite Pathways program, he is helping students gain experience and earn certificates in STEM-related fields such as welding, healthcare and construction.

Mr. Cox will receive $1,500 for his classroom and $1,500 for personal use, thanks to Kemin Industries!

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2022 STEM Teacher Award Recipients

STEM BEST HD Awarded

Congratulations to the 38 schools, pictured on a Zoom orientation, who were awarded 2022 STEM BEST H.D. funds.

This is the highest number of schools to be named as STEM BEST models since the program’s launch in 2014. STEM BEST H.D. is designed to prepare students for the workforce through curriculum and career-linked learning focusing on skills needed in job sectors such as computer science/information technology, healthcare professions and advanced manufacturing.

The 38 new or expanded partnerships included funding for up to $40,000 each. Compared to the traditional STEM BEST Program, STEM BEST H.D. offers a higher financial support and a lower cost-share requirement for applicants. The funds can be used for facility upgrades, equipment, time for program planning with partners, site visits or integrating curriculum into existing courses. Look for updates on the progress and models they create.

Southwest STEM BEST HD Partners

Boyer Valley Community School District

The Boyer Valley Community School District will create an elementary maker space that provides for STEM projects and activities that allows students to get hands on experience in all HD fields, including field trips to major business partners that focus on manufacturing, computer science and health.

Lewis Central Community School District

Current STEM BEST model, Titan Plastics, will expand to offer Exploratory classes and larger after school sessions. Over one hundred students have the potential to be involved. Titan Plastics is a plastics manufacturing program that takes recyclable materials and landfill bound plastic and manufactures them to create sellable products.

Tri-Center Community School District

Tri-Center Community School District will introduce students to career opportunities available in the medical field and provide hands-on experiences for those students who are interested in pursuing a career in the medical field through strong partnerships with local medical agencies.

Woodbine Community School District

Woodbine Community School District will build out modules and purchase the necessary equipment to create an advanced manufacturing program with deep learning and multiple paths for students to explore as part of the IGNITE Pathways program.