 Clarinda students explore computer science and literacy through the Storytime STEM-packs: STEM + Computer Science Scale-Up Program.
The STEM Scale-Up Program offers exemplary, high-quality STEM education offerings to educators at schools, afterschool programs and other settings for grades pre-K through 12. The following 14 evidence-based programs are being offered to educators across Iowa to implement during the 2024-2025 academic year:
- All About Balance (Grades PK-2)
- Artificial Intelligence (Grades K-12)
- Blackbird Code (Grades 6-12)
- Derivita Math (Grades 6-12)
- Exploring and Connecting to Iowa’s Agriculture (Grades 2-8)
- FUSE Studio (Grades 4-12)
- Investigating Everyday Phenomena (Grades K-5)
- Making Innovative STEM Connections (Grades PK-8)
- Positive Physics, Chemistry, Physical Science, Biology, Env. Science & Engineering (Grades 6-12)
- Robo Wunderkind STEM Program (Grades K-5)
- Spatial Vis: The First Step in Design for Engineering and Technology (Grades 6-12)
- Storytime STEM-packs: STEM +Computer Science (Grades PK-2)
- Teachley Math (Grades K-5)
- Turing Tumble (Grades 3-12)
Who may apply?
Eligible applicants include educators with public and private PreK-12 schools, childcare centers, libraries, county extension offices, home school associations and other formal and informal youth organizations delivering STEM education programming to PreK-12 youth. If an educator’s application is awarded, the Iowa Governor's STEM Advisory Council will pay for educator training and the program materials. After the implementation, the materials will remain with the educational organization to continue the program into future years.
How to learn more?
Live and recorded informational webinars and fact sheets with more description on each of these programs can be found at: https://iowastem.org/scale-up/menu
How to apply?
First, an IowaGrants.gov account is needed to apply. To sign up for an IowaGrants.gov account, see this resource page and links (1st paragraph) at: https://iowastem.org/Scale-Up . Please note, it can take up to three business days for a new account to be activated.
After learning which STEM Scale-Up Program may be the best fit, apply at: https://iowastem.org/Scale-Up-Application
IMPORTANT! In the IowaGrants.gov application under Application TITLE, be sure to enter YOUR STEM REGION, THE PROGRAM YOU ARE APPLYING FOR and YOUR SCHOOL or ORGANIZATION. (For Example, Application Title: NC, Scale-Up Program Name, ABC Elementary School)
Application deadline?
Applications are due by Wednesday, February 28, 2024, at 4:59PM (CST) with awards announced in April. Program training and implementation begins after July 1.
All selected STEM Scale-Up Programs went through a rigorous review, demonstrating an appeal to youth across all demographics, success in improving academic performance, evidence of integrating STEM concepts, development of school-business-community partnerships and sustainability beyond STEM Council financial support. The STEM Scale-Up Program serves over 100,000 young Iowa learners each year and demonstrates success in increasing student interest and achievement in STEM.
Please share this information with educators you know!
 Kathy McGrane and her AP Chemistry students at West Des Moines Valley investigate alloys.
West Des Moines Valley High School science teacher Kathy McGrane spent six weeks this summer as a STEM Teacher Extern with MidAmerican Energy. She was an Educational Consultant in the Trades and Crafts Training and Development Department and fostered a lasting relationship with MidAmerican team members and gained knowledge that she has taken back to her classroom this school year.
Over the summer Kathy had the opportunity to see science in action. “MidAmerican Energy demonstrates all of the energy concepts that we learn about in science classes but on the macroscale. I was able to see the production, transmission, conversion, and utilization of energy at every stage. We learn about combustion reactions in AP Chemistry but I was able to see a power plant generate energy from a huge combustion reaction and then transport that energy for miles.” She also learned about how amazingly well organized and efficient the energy industry is and gained a newfound appreciation for the level of expertise and safety that energy sector workers use everyday. ”I will never again take the availability of energy (electricity and gas) for granted.”
Her students know all about her summer experience as she has shown her pictures and videos of power plant tours, tools in use on gas lines, workers climbing into the nacelle of a wind turbine to name a few. She also has used many real world applications of the science they are learning, particularly about thermochemistry and alloys. Most recently they have been investigating the composition of alloys and made the connection as to why brass tools are used when working on gas pipelines.
Kathy has signed on to be a STEM Teacher Extern again for Summer 2024. She hopes to help high school and college interns make the connections between their classwork and real-life application. She encourages other secondary STEM teachers to consider participation in the program as well. “My externship gave me an opportunity to experience a different work environment and learn about the daily responsibilities of workers in a corporate setting as well as in the field. I could earn some supplementary income and learn at the same time! I think that is a win!”
If you are a secondary teacher in a STEM related field and would like to participate in the STEM Teacher Externships Program this summer please visit www.IowaSTEM.org/externships to apply or learn more about the program.
 Michelle Hill, Director for Work-Based Learning at Waukee Community School District, shares her talents as a new member of the STEM Council.
Michelle Hill is a seasoned professional currently serving as the Director for Work-Based Learning at the Waukee Community School District. In this capacity, she oversees impactful initiatives, including the Waukee Aspiring Professional Experience (APEX), the School-to-Work Internship program, the Introduction to Education Teacher Practicum program, and various other experiential learning opportunities.
* What inspired you to become a representative on the STEM Council?
After many years in the STEM field, I was inspired to contribute as a representative on the STEM Council. It's a meaningful way for me to give back to the council for their support of our program. Encouraged by recommendations from peers, I applied and am happy that I did. Serving on the council allows me to gain valuable insight from business and academic leaders statewide, learning about their advancements in STEM. Simultaneously, I contribute valuable perspectives from our team's experiences. Given our program's commitment to servant leadership, being on the STEM Council aligns with my values, providing an opportunity to put this into practice.
* What is something you hope to bring to the table as a new member of the STEM Council?
As a new member of the council, I hope to bring my perspective from being both a teacher and administrator in the field, which is a unique viewpoint. Having spearheaded the initiation of a program, I recognize the parallels between program development and launching a business. In navigating challenges, our experiences in Waukee have fostered creative problem-solving. I aspire to share the valuable insights gained from both our district's collective knowledge base and my personal background.
* Tell us a little bit about what you do and your current organization.
I am currently the Director for Work-Based Learning in the Waukee Community School District. I supervise the Waukee APEX program, the School-to-Work Internship program, and the Intro to Education Teacher Practicum program. In addition, we are launching new services in the district K-12 to bring more career-based experiences to all students to help students and families make the best decisions possible for their next steps after high school. I work in conjunction with those services to support our teachers, students, families, and community to find creative collisions for everyone involved. That includes strategic planning, business development, professional learning, instructor support, program and building management, and honestly, whatever the day requires.
* How important is STEM education, and what role does it play in the future of students?
STEM education is crucial for imparting technical and transferable skills, ensuring lasting student benefits. Engaging in creative problem-solving and collaborative teamwork, especially with real-world tasks alongside business professionals, provides valuable experiences. These opportunities effectively prepare students for various future endeavors. Moreover, STEM programs in Iowa facilitate local networking, encouraging students to build connections within their communities and ultimately fostering economic growth and talent retention.
Investments from business and industry partners, professional STEM organizations, state agencies and many other workplace partners in Iowa have produced amazing results over the past 12 years as the Iowa STEM education effort has gained momentum and expanded impact to help achieve increasing interest and achievement in STEM (science, technology, engineering and mathematics) studies and careers.
The Iowa STEM education effort would never have been able to have the broad reach to all corners of the state or come close to meeting demand without this heavy lift from these partners, along with the engagement of families, educators, employers, non-profits, legislators, policy leaders and others in terms of sharing their time and treasure to advocate for and to advance the cause.
Demand remains high and additional resources are always needed and appreciated. Iowa STEM continues to be a vital economic development advantage for quality job growth in our state. STEM graduates are in great demand to meet current and future workforce needs.
If you would like to invest in Iowa STEM’s signature programs – the STEM Scale-Up Program, the STEM BEST Program, the STEM Teacher Externships Program – or other activities and events, please contact Kari Britain, Interim Director, by email at britain@IowaSTEM.org or by calling (515) 335-1531.
Your continuing support and advocacy make a significant difference!
Iowa Governor's STEM Advisory Council
Iowa Department of Education
214 East Bartlett Hall
University of Northern Iowa
515.335.1531
Info@IowaSTEM.org
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