649668 - 2026 STEM Scale-Up Program Educator Application
Funding Opportunity Details

IowaSTEM

Final Application Deadline: Mar 10, 2026 4:59 PM

Description

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  Through legislative appropriation, the Iowa Governor’s STEM Advisory Council is able to offer exemplary STEM programs throughout the state. The STEM Scale-Up Program has demonstrated success in increasing student interest and achievement in STEM across all demographics. Three programs, one each in science, technology and mathematics/engineering, have been selected to be offered on the 2026-27 STEM Scale-Up Program menu. These programs bring high-qualiity STEM education offerings to schools, after school programs and other settings for grades PK-12.  Each went through a rigorous review process, demonstrating an appeal to diverse youth, success in improving academic performance, evidence of integrating STEM concepts, development of school-business-community partnerships and sustainability beyond STEM Council financial support.

  SCALE-UP PROGRAM TIMELINE

  • Jan. 27, 2026: Educator application opens
  • March 10, 2026, 4:59 PM Central Time: Educator application submission deadline
  • April 2026: Awardees notified
  • Summer 2026: Training, professional development in preparation for program implementation during 2025-2026 academic year
  • July 1, 2026 – June 30, 2027: Implementation of Year 1
  • July 1, 2027 – June 30, 2028: Implementation of Year 2
  • July 1, 2028 – June 30, 2029: Implementation of Year 3

  WHO CAN APPLY?

  PK-12 cross-curricular educators, both in and out of the classroom, are eligible to apply, so long as they have undergone a criminal background check as a requirement of employment. Eligible applicant(s) include public and private school PK-12 teachers, youth organization leaders, informal education professionals, home school associations and others who deliver STEM education programming in Iowa. Every applicant must secure the commitment and signature of the institution’s lead administrator(s).

  THIS PROGRAM IS AN AWARD, NOT A GRANT.

  It is a program delivered to selected applicants. The STEM Scale-Up Program funding is provided from the Iowa Governor's STEM Advisory Council Regional STEM Hub Institutions directly to the STEM Scale-Up Program provider, rather than to the selected applicant. On occasion, some STEM Scale-Up Program options may require out-of-pocket funds as noted in the Scale-Up menu packet.

  What’s Required of Educators?

  All awarded educators are required to attend and participate in the professional development session(s) in full for their STEM Scale-Up program as outlined by the program provider in the Scale-Up menu packet.  

  Once the program has been implemented, all awarded educators will be required to participate in assessing the effectiveness of their awarded program with the following:

  • Completing the educator survey
  • Providing a student participant list
  • [Note: Some STEM Scale-Up Program providers may request additional evaluation data.]  

  For additional information, please visit: educate.iowa.gov/STEM/ScaleUp

  Instructions for Titling Application:

  Include each of the following, separated by a comma:

  • Region (NW, SW, SC, NC, SE, NE)
  • Name of program you are applying for
  • School or Organization

  Examples: 
  SC, STEMwonder, Cowles Library
  NE, Exploring AI and the Future of Work, Clayton Ridge Middle School
  SW, FIRST Tech Challenge, Atlantic High School

  AI Appropriate Usage:

  Applicants using Artificial Intelligence (AI) tools to assist with the application writing process should not rely on generative AI to fully produce or fabricate their applications. If AI tools are used, original narration and proper attribution must be provided. Example: (OpenAI, 2025)

   

  It is the policy of the Iowa Department of Education not to discriminate on the basis of race, creed, color, sexual orientation, national origin, sex, disability, religion, age, political party affiliation, or actual or potential parental, family or marital status in its programs, activities, or employment practices as required by the Iowa Code sections 216.9 and 256.10(2), Titles VI and VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964 (42 U.S.C. § 2000d and 2000e), the Equal Pay Act of 1973 (29 U.S.C. § 206, et seq.), Title IX (Educational Amendments, 20 U.S.C.§§ 1681 – 1688), Section 504 (Rehabilitation Act of 1973, 29 U.S.C. § 794), and the Americans with Disabilities Act (42 U.S.C. § 12101, et seq.). 

  If you have questions or complaints related to compliance with this policy by the Iowa Department of Education, contact the legal counsel for the Iowa Department of Education, Grimes State Office Building, 400 E 14th Street, Des Moines, IA 50319-0146, Telephone: 515-281-5295, or the Director of the Office for Civil Rights, U.S. Department of Education, Cesar E. Chavez Memorial Building, 1244 Speer Boulevard, Suite 310, Denver, CO 80204-3582, Telephone: (303) 844-5695 FAX: (303) 844-4303, TDD 800-877-8339 Email: [email protected].

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