North Central STEM Region

September 2023

Design Days to Support STEM Best Newcomers

The STEM Council is partnering with the Iowa Srea Education Agencies Online (AEA) to provide Design Days - six 30-minute mini-sessions through October and November and a one-day session in early November to share information and provide STEM BEST Program design support. This opportunity is offered to help local school districts that are interested in applying for the STEM Best Program navigate the process.

In the mini-sessions, facilitators will cover relevant components of a STEM BEST Program proposal. The day-long session will offer in-depth best practices and a walk through all the sections of the application.

The goal of the STEM BEST + H.D. Program is to support the launch of new or expanded STEM BEST Program models specifically focused on creating work-based learning opportunities that allow students to develop future-focused, high-demand skills through authentic real-world experiences.

IGNITE Pathways (IRPC), a STEM BEST Program at Woodbine Community Schools, focuses on connecting students with skills that bring real-world relevance to learning.

"The amount of community members showing interest in the IPRC based on the STEM BEST programming has allowed us to showcase a 'new way of learning' that connects directly to businesses and industry needs within our region" said Justin Wagner, Superintendent of Woodbine Community Schools and IGNITE Pathways. "The STEM BEST program within the IPRC now impacts over 200 students and is providing experiences our students did not previously have available to them and will positively shape their future decisions."

Applicants must be from an established public or private school of Iowa and can apply for up to $40,000 to bring authentic learning opportunities to students through businesses and education partnerships.

The application opens on October 2, 2023. More Information is available at iowastem.org/stembest

Meet LuAnne, Vice President of Coloff Development Partners

Can you describe your background?
LuAnn graduated from Iowa State University with a BA in Communications with an emphasis in Media Studies.
What kind of work or projects are you currently working on?
As a partner for Coloff Digital in Forest City, IA, a digital marketing agency, we serve clients in banking, manufacturing, government, insurance and other industries for all marketing services; website development & design, graphic design, video production, digital marketing and content marketing. My job as Chief Client Officer is to work directly with prospects and clients for business development and ongoing customer experience.
What do you like most about your job?
I most enjoy developing relationships! Learning about businesses and finding solutions to clients' unique business and marketing goals. I also like to be active in giving back by serving on local chamber and economic development boards.
What achievement or contribution are you most proud of?
Along with my husband of 32 years, raising our 3 amazing children:)
Why did you decide to become a member of the North Central Advisory Board?
I decided to be a member to support local STEM efforts and apply my involvement with the Iowa Workforce Development State Board. I would like to serve in appropriate ways to offer students and their families access to the advantages of STEM.
What message around STEM do you communicate with those around you?
There are SO MANY cool opportunities through STEM! Talk to resources at school, get online or reach out directly to learn more.
What action or “first step” can individuals or communities do to promote STEM?
Get connected, actively listen, ask follow up questions and be vocal and involved in what you and/or your community needs for STEM resources and guidance.

STEM Checkout Library

Storytime STEM-Packs and several former STEM Scale-Up kits are now available for checkout. These packs are a great hands on, creative way for students to learn more about various STEM concepts.

Learn more about available kits here:

Stem Pack Checkout Information

Request a kit here: Check-Out Form

STEM Challenge Cards

In addition to our checkout library, we have STEM Challenge Cards available by request. Each card has an easy to prepare STEM challenge for when you're looking for an activity to either supplement content or for students to do during transitional times in the classroom. In addition to the cards, some materials can be requested as well, though many are found easily at home.

To look at the challenge options and request any, click here:

STEM Challenge Card Checkout

kit here: Check-Out Form

NC Iowa Teachers Participate in Scale-Up Training

Nominate an Inspiring STEM Teacher for Statewide Recognition

The Iowa STEM Teacher Award recognizes one full-time, licensed PreK-12 teacher from each of the state's six STEM regions whose passion for science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) motivates their students to develop a lifelong interest in STEM fields - both in and out of the classroom. The six selected recipients will each receive an award of 1,500 for their classrooms and 1,500 for personal use.

Any individual can nominate a teacher by visiting iowastem.org/teacheraward-application and completing the nomination form by Tuesday, October 10th, at 11:59 p.m. Following nominations, eligible educators will fill out an application for review by a panel of judges. the award recipients will be announced in early 2024.

Upcoming Events!

September 15 - NC STEM Advisory Board Meeting

October 2nd - STEM BEST Applications open

October 10th - Deadline to nominate a teacher for STEM Teacher Award

October 13 - NC STEM Advisory Board Meeting

November 2 - STEAMfest at ICCC

November 10 - NC STEM Advisory Board Meeting

Know of other STEM events in North Central Iowa? Email us at: [email protected]

Connect with us!

NC Regional Manager:

Mauree Haage

Website: https://ncstemhub.iastate.edu

Email: [email protected]

Phone: 515-294-0645

Address:

NC STEM Hub

Extension 4-H Building

1259 Stange Road

Ames, IA 50011