The Iowa Governor’s STEM Advisory Council announced 37 Iowa school districts will join or expand the STEM BEST® (Businesses Engaging Students and Teachers) + HD (High Demand) Program to provide students with real workplace experiences. The Pella Community School District has been chosen for the program that helps introduce students to businesses and career opportunities in Iowa, while also gaining career-ready skills.

The STEM BEST + HD Program encourages teachers and industry professionals to work side-by-side to develop a work-based learning model that incorporates STEM subjects like mathematics and science with experiential learning opportunities to emphasize high-demand skills for the workplace.

To be considered, applicants were required to submit a comprehensive proposal that incorporates rigorous and relevant STEM curriculum, includes partnerships with community businesses or organizations, aligns with STEM goals, addresses sustainability of the model program and evaluates the program’s effectiveness.