The Iowa Governor’s STEM Advisory Council at the Department of Education announced Urbandale Community School District (UCSD) as one of the nearly 30 school districts to receive the 2025-26 STEM BEST® (Businesses Engaging Students and Teachers) Program award. The STEM BEST® Program brings schools and businesses together to provide students with real workplace experiences, introduce businesses and career opportunities in Iowa, and gain career-ready skills. As a STEM BEST® Program award recipient, UCSD will receive $40,000 in support of expansion of STEM career-connected learning experiences PreK-12. 

“STEM education is essential because it equips students with critical thinking, problem-solving, and technical skills that are in high demand across various industries,” said UCSD Director of Teaching and Learning Brandon Schrauth. “By engaging students early and providing meaningful opportunities, we expect to see increased student interest in STEM fields, stronger workforce readiness, and a more seamless transition from school to career.” 

The STEM BEST® Program encourages teachers and industry professionals to work side-by-side to develop a work-based learning model that incorporates STEM subjects with experiential learning opportunities to emphasize future focused skills for the workplace. The STEM Council’s investment can be used for curriculum development and coordination, educator training and development in workplace-classroom integration, and preparing work-based learning environments.

“We are very excited to receive this award! It is going to help support our work to build programs that connect our students to their future,” said UCSD Superintendent Dr. Rosalie Daca. 

The UCSD Discover Your Path | Discover U comprehensive post-secondary success plan, which will be supported by the STEM BEST® Grant, enhances career-connected learning across PreK-12 by fostering partnerships between education and industry. Preparing students for college and career pathways through hands-on, real-world learning experiences that connect academic concepts with STEM applications.

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

Please visit the STEM BEST® Program website for more information.

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