Iowa Code section 261E.2 requires districts to provide students and parents with information regarding participation in Senior Year Plus (SYP) programming, including concurrent enrollment courses. 

Starting this fall, in academic year 2026-27, districts must upload and have documents and/or websites containing SYP information reviewed annually through CASA during the annual desk review process.

To support districts in this new review process, the Department has created this checklist with key information that should be provided to students and families and included in your Senior Year Plus materials. Senior Year Plus programs at the community college may also find the checklist useful as a resource for handbooks and for advising purposes.

Please contact Education Program Consultant Lisa Washington at lisa.washington@iowa.gov with questions.

The Bureau of Community Colleges recently released its Department of Education Audit Plan 2026-27 for Senior Year Plus.

As part of this plan, community college leadership can now meet concurrent enrollment course audit requirements through one of two options.

• show active NACEP accreditation status
• through the review of their concurrent enrollment program during the college's regularly scheduled state accreditation visit. State accreditation visits occur once every five years; however, the Department has the responsibility to conduct concurrent enrollment audits as needed.

Regardless of the community college's choice of accrediting bodies, it will continue to prove that its Senior Year Plus programs meet exemplary rigor and quality standards. State accreditation of Senior Year Plus programs will begin AY28.

Concurrent enrollment courses provided by institutions without NACEP or Department-accredited status will not be eligible for supplementary weighted funding (to school districts) per Iowa Code 256.17.

For more information, contact Bureau of Community Colleges Education Program Consultant Lisa Washington at lisa.washington@iowa.gov.

The Iowa Department of Education has opened the new application period for the 2026-27 Career Academy Incentive Fund. Grant applications will be accepted through Nov. 13, 2026, for the fall grant cycle. 

The Career Academy Incentive Fund supports increased access to career academy programs through regional centers and highlights partnerships between school districts, community colleges, business and industry and other partners. Successful proposals promote equitable access to high-quality career and technical education programs and include at least one school district and one community college. Priority consideration will be given to applicants who focus on programming delivered to at least four school districts. The Department will also consider tier 2 proposals that improve or expand existing career academies delivered through a regional center.

Through the 2019 Secure an Advanced Vision for Education (SAVE) initiative, the Career Academy Incentive Fund annually awards up to $5 million in grants for projects that support career academy partnerships between community colleges, school districts, business and industry and other education and community stakeholders. Opportunities supported by the Career Academy Incentive Fund increase student access to higher education, industry-recognized credentials, valuable connections with employers and the discovery of potential career pathways.

For more information, please contact Bureau of CTE and Postsecondary Readiness Administrative Consultant Heather Meissen at heather.meissen@iowa.gov.

Join the Iowa Governor's STEM Advisory Council this fall for the Iowa STEM Summit on Friday, Nov. 6, 2026, at the Community Choice Credit Union Convention Center, in Des Moines.

This free full-day event brings together educators, industry leaders, policymakers, and STEM advocates from across the state to explore innovative strategies, share best practices and hear from leaders who advancing STEM education.

The Iowa STEM Summit features engaging keynote speakers, interactive breakout sessions, and networking opportunities designed to inspire and empower attendees. 

While free to attend, registration is required and open through Oct. 29.

Nominations are now open to find Iowa's top agriculture educator. 

Each school year, the state's top agriculture educator is presented with the Golden Owl Award, honoring outstanding achievements and excellence in the field. Nominations for this year's honor are open through Dec. 1.

Sponsored by the Iowa FFA Foundation
, Nationwide Insurance and other agricultural partners, the award spotlights agriculture educators across the state who go above and beyond in the classroom. Students, colleagues, school staff and community members can submit nominations honoring teachers who build student leadership, bring innovative, hands-on learning into their classrooms and make a lasting impact on their schools and communities.

Seven educators will be named finalists in early 2027, each receiving $500, an engraved plaque and recognition as one of Iowa's top agriculture educators. The Golden Owl Award winner, announced at the Iowa FFA Convention in April, will receive $3,000, in addition to recognition as Iowa’s top agriculture educator.