The Governor’s STEM Advisory Council is currently accepting applications for high-quality STEM education programs for 2025-26 referred to as Scale-Up programs. Scale-Up programs are offered to educators in private and public schools, after-school programs, libraries, home school organizations and other informal settings for grades pre-K through 12.
TIMELINE
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January 7, 2025 - STEM Scale-Up application opens. Applicants must apply online.
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February 25, 2025 – DEADLINE to apply for 2025-2026 STEM Scale-Up Programs
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April 4, 2025 – Announcement of 2025-2026 STEM Scale-Up awardees.
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July 1, 2025 – (pending budget approval) – Scale-Up programming begins
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July – September – (depending on Scale-Up Program) Educator attends training.
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October 31 - All kits/materials are ordered and delivered to the organization (pending program).
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Educator implements the STEM Scale-Up program.
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March-May 2026 – Evaluation/Survey
WHO CAN APPLY?
PreK-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 PreK-12 teachers, youth organization leaders, informal education professionals, home school associations and others who deliver STEM education programming. 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. However, applicants who propose to cost-share by absorbing some expenses (e.g. supplies, travel or administration, etc.) or bringing additional funding (e.g. a grant or private sector donation, etc.) will be considered favorably during the review process. Some program options require cost-sharing as noted in their descriptions. The STEM Scale-Up Program funding is provided from the Iowa Governor's STEM Advisory Council Regional STEM Hub Institutions directly to the program provider, rather than to the selected applicant.
RESOURCES FOR THE APPLICATION
- A copy of the STEM Scale-Up Program application
- Online Portal Help Guide
- Scoring Rubric