Apply Now for 2013-14 STEM Scale-Up Programs

AMES, Iowa – The Governor’s STEM Advisory Council announced this week the nine 2013-14 STEM Scale-Up programs. The programs, selected through a competitive process, have the capacity to improve learner interest and achievement in STEM (science, technology, engineering, mathematics) areas.

School teachers, youth organization leaders, informal education professionals, county and regional extension programs, and other organizations delivering STEM educational programs can apply to bring one or more of the nine specially selected programs into a club or classroom during 2013-14.

The nine STEM Scale-Up programs will be distributed through Iowa’s STEM regional hubs. Iowa State University is the North Central regional hub, but supports all the hubs in the initiative, fulfilling the university’s land-grant mission.

“The STEM Scale-Up programs offer kids hands-on experiences in math, science, technology and engineering right in their community,” said Lynne Campbell, the North Central regional hub manager. “Programs span all grade levels, all fields of STEM, and may be implemented in-school or out-of-school. Some programs may provide stipends for teachers, volunteers or coaches working beyond contract hours, curriculum materials, or training related to the program materials.”

Programs selected as 2013-14 STEM Scale-Up programs are:

• A World in Motion (AWIM), www.awim.org
• Camp in a Can Show & Tell, www.CampinaCan.com
• Carolina STEM Curriculum, www.carolinacurriculum.com
• CASE – The “CASE” for Agricultural STEM Education in Iowa: Perparing Tomorrow’s Leaders, Today, www.iowaffafoundation.org
• Defined STEM, www.definedstem.com
• E=HC² Exploration = Health Careers Connection
• Engineering is Elementary in Iowa (EiE), www.aea10.k12.ia.us/vastscience/curriculumnew.html
• HyperStream – Technology Hub for Iowa Students, http://hyperstream.org
• Project Lead the Way: Gateway to Technology Program, www.pltw.org

Application Deadline is April 10

Applications for the Scale-Up programs must be submitted online by the April 10, 2013 deadline. Applications and details are available at www.iowastem.gov/. The Scale-Up programs will be awarded to local educators, both formal and informal, on a competitive basis. Those educators selected to receive programming will be notified by May 15, 2013 and can implement the programming immediately this fall.

PreK-12 educators, both formal and non-formal, are eligible to apply, as long as they have undergone a criminal background check as a requirement of employment. This is not a monetary grant application. All transactions will occur between the regional Hub and the program or service provider.

Applicants who propose to cost-share by absorbing some expenses or bringing additional funding will be considered favorably during the review process. Some Scale-Up Programs require cost sharing, as noted in their descriptions.

The Scale-Up Programs application, a map of Iowa’s six STEM Regions, contact information for the STEM regional managers and a list of the nine Scale-Ups can be found at www.IowaSTEM.gov.

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