651061 - 2026 STEM BEST Explore: Real-World Adventures
Funding Opportunity Details

IowaSTEM

Final Application Deadline: Feb 16, 2026 4:00 PM

Description

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  STEM BEST Explore: Real-World Adventures

  Purpose:

  This funding opportunity would allow for exclusively previously awarded STEM BEST® Program schools to extend work based and career-connected learning opportunities for students into the Summer of 2026. In addition to and incorporating new experiences for those STEM BEST models, this would also have the potential of reaching new audiences of students who may not be available to have these work-based learning opportunities within the traditional school year. Awards would be up to $20,000 with no cost share required.

  Goals:

  • Reach new student audiences for participation in a summer work-based learning experience.

  • Expand opportunities for future focused skill development within a new time period.

  • Affords unique opportunities for exploration and potential career connections for students that builds upon existing STEM BEST partnerships.

  • Affords opportunities to forge new partnerships within STEM BEST schools and communities.

  • Creates opportunities outside of imposed challenges such as schedule or transportation.

  Timeline:

  • Application Period: January 16, 2026 – February 16, 2026 at 4:00p.m. CST

  •  Application Closes, 4:00p.m. on Wednesday, February 16, 2026

  •  Tier 1 Program Proposers Notified:  February 2026

  • Tier 2 Program proposers will be notified in March, subject to available funding

  •  Implementation and Funds Expenditure Period: March/April, 2026-August 26, 2026

  •  Final Report Due: August 14, 2026

  •  Final Invoice Due: September 25, 2026

  Eligible Applicants:

  STEM BEST® Program schools who are in good standing by the terms of the STEM BEST® Program award agreement. Eligibility to apply is restricted solely to previously awarded STEM BEST awardees. Clusters of schools and/or districts may apply. This requirement then verifies that the submitting entity will be the responsible fiscal agent. The application must also contain evidence of the roles assumed by the partnering schools/districts and other identified partners.

  Requirements: 

  • Funds must be used to provide a student work based learning and/or career-connected experience that must occur in the Summer of 2026. 

  Examples of what funds can be used for include but are not limited to:

  • Extended STEM BEST® Program work-based learning experience for students in the summer.

  • Shortened STEM BEST® work-based learning experience for students with a new partner.

  • Trips to introduce students to career and post-secondary exploration.

  • Career-based learning or leadership development opportunities for students.

   

  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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