2018-19 STEM Scale-Up Programs Announced & Applications Open

Iowa’s educators who want to continue inspiring their students toward STEM passions now have an opportunity! The 2018-19 STEM Scale-Up Program application is officially open.

As the largest statewide program operated by the Governor’s STEM Advisory Council, the STEM Scale-Up Program aims to bring the best-known STEM programs to classrooms and out-of-school learning environments across Iowa.Over the last five years, several thousand educators have applied, including PreK-12 teachers, afterschool club leaders, Extension and 4-H professionals, daycare providers and other active learning community members.

Results from the 2016-2017 Iowa STEM evaluation report show STEM Scale-Up participants scored an average of 3 points higher in National Percentile Rank in math and reading, and 4 points higher in science, compared to all students statewide. For minority students, the difference is greater: Scale-Up participants scored an average of 6 points higher in National Percentile Rank in math, 7 points higher in science and 6 points higher in reading compared to minority students who did not participate.

The 2018-19 STEM Scale-Up Program menu debuted in January. All ten selected programs underwent a competitive review process, proving an appeal to diverse youth, a demonstrated success in improving academic performance, evidence of integrating STEM concepts, fostering business-education-community partnerships and tracking records of sustainability.

Iowa’s STEM Scale-Up Program is simple: Find what works, deliver it across Iowa and inspire the next generation of innovators to meet the STEM workforce demand in Iowa. Educators interested in bringing the best of STEM to their learners may apply until March 5, 2018, at www.IowaSTEM.gov/2018-19-Scale-Up.

School districts in Central Rivers AEA are part of the North Central, Northeast, and South Central STEM Hubs, depending on geographic location. Please contact Corey Rogers, Central Rivers AEA STEM Consultant or Mandie Sanderman, Central Rivers AEA Science Consultant. We’re happy to support with selecting, applying for, and implementing STEM Scale-up Programs for the 2018-19 school year.

School leaders can also contact their respective STEM Hub Regional Managers Kelly Bergman (North Central Hub), Jeff Beneke (Northeast Hub), or Sarah Derry (South Central Hub) for support.