The Iowa Governor’s STEM Advisory Council at the Iowa Department of Education is directing additional support to Pleasant Valley High School’s STEM BEST® (Businesses Engaging Students and Teachers) Program through the STEM BEST® Program enhancement award. The funds will help enhance work-based learning opportunities made available through school and business partnerships during the 2025-2026 academic year.
Through the STEM BEST® Program, students and teachers work closely with local workplaces and professionals to introduce and prepare learners for future success in their communities. By helping schools identify and anticipate local workforce needs in collaboration with business professionals, the STEM BEST® Program strengthens Iowa’s future workforce through the development and expansion of work-based learning and career exploration opportunities. The STEM BEST® Program enhancement award supports previously awarded STEM BEST® Programs that demonstrate evidence of how the funds would enrich or expand current STEM BEST® Programs, strengthen partnerships and/or enhance experiences for students.