Making STEM Class Matter by Tying to World of Work

STEM BEST Program Boone Edge provides a work-based learning continuum of awareness, exploration and training in partnership with employers and higher education institutions.

Work-Based Learning (WBL), a phrase coined by the U.S. Department of Labor for career-technical education, is fast becoming mainstreamed into Iowa’s STEM classes as Career-Linked Learning (CLL). And for good reason: WBL, or CLL, is a potent instructional mode for contextualizing the learning of content and skills across subjects K through 12. Read more about Making STEM Class Matter by Tying to World of Work

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STEM BEST Program

STEM BEST = Work-Based Learning

Students of No Boundaries Middle School (NOBOMS), a STEM BEST Program, assemble furniture for their room redesign.

Work-based learning is a phrase coined by the U.S. Department of Labor to label learning experiences for students in a workplace setting. The STEM BEST Program is one of many work-based learning, or what STEM leaders call career-linked learning, opportunities available through the STEM Council. Read more about STEM BEST = Work-Based Learning

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Students to Develop High-Demand Skills with STEM BEST + HD Program

The STEM BEST + HD Program application opens October 3.

The application period is quickly approaching for the STEM BEST + HD (High-Demand) Program. Beginning October 3, public and non-public K-12 school districts and school buildings can submit an application to launch or expand a business partnership model to provide students with career-linked learning experiences. Read more about Students to Develop High-Demand Skills with STEM BEST + HD Program

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Three Work-Based Learning Plans to Serve as Statewide Models

Spencer High School STEM BEST Program students travel to local work sites with high-demand jobs.

Career-linked learning, also known as work-based learning (WBL), is an effective tool for educators to link what is taught in the classroom to what is needed to thrive as employees and contributing members of the community. Skills and habits ranging from punctuality to problem solving and collaboration to critical thinking may best be acquired in the context of jobs and work. Read more about Three Work-Based Learning Plans to Serve as Statewide Models

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work based learning

Twelve Schools Grow Workplace Experience through STEM BEST Program

Students paired with community and business volunteers to work on real-world projects using their makerspace.

The STEM BEST (Businesses Engaging Students and Teachers) Program of the Governor’s STEM Advisory Council drives partnerships of K-12 schools and community employers. Read more about Twelve Schools Grow Workplace Experience through STEM BEST Program

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Forging Connections and Opportunities through BEST STEMposium

The BEST STEMposium offered a collaborative professional development experience for STEM BEST Programs.

More than 70 educators, administrators and business partners of STEM BEST Programs across the state attended the first-ever BEST STEMposium, held at the University of Northern Iowa. The event fostered meaningful conversations with STEM BEST Program leaders to enhance career-linked learning in communities across Iowa. Read more about Forging Connections and Opportunities through BEST STEMposium

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New STEM BEST Opportunity to Expand Career-Linked Learning

Students working on computer

Re-envisioning recyclable materials into usable products, developing entrepreneurial skills through student-run storefronts, taking on leadership roles at community and live events, simulating advanced manufacturing and healthcare experience through school business partnerships. These are a few of the many career-linked opportunities the STEM BEST Program is creating in Iowa. Read more about New STEM BEST Opportunity to Expand Career-Linked Learning

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38 Schools to Advance Career-Linked Learning through STEM BEST H.D. Recognition

Waterloo Schools Executive Director of Professional Education Jeff Frost provides a tour of the Waterloo Career Center.

Thirty-eight school districts throughout Iowa have been recognized as STEM BEST H.D. (High Demand) models of the Governor’s STEM Advisory Council. 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. Read more about 38 Schools to Advance Career-Linked Learning through STEM BEST H.D. Recognition

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STEM BEST Program Offers Network Supports

Central Community School students take part in Clayton County STEM BEST Program.
Career-Linked Learning (CLL) inspires passion in students to pursue high demand, high impact and high reward careers. Learning linked to fulfilling jobs through authentic experiences is what the STEM BEST Program provides more than 80 partners in Iowa schools.
 
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Nine School Districts to Pioneer Work-Based Learning Plans

Spencer High School was selected to develop a school district work-based learning plan.
Nine school districts have stepped up to create K-12 work-based learning plans that do four things: 
  1. Detail a spectrum of innovative WBL options connecting K-12 classrooms to future careers;
  2. Integrate WBL in a cohesive way across grade levels and content disciplines to diverse students;
  3. Involve businesses and other community partners; and
Read more about Nine School Districts to Pioneer Work-Based Learning Plans
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