STEM Scale-Up Program

Increase student interest and achievement

The Iowa STEM Scale-Up Program was launched as a way to meet the Governor's STEM Advisory Council's top priority: Increasing student interest and achievement in STEM across the state.

Through legislative appropriations, the Iowa Governor's STEM Advisory Council is able to offer exemplary STEM programs throughout the state.  STEM Scale-Up programs are programs that have demonstrated success in increasing student interest and achievement in STEM no matter the size of the community.  A top priority of the STEM Council is to help improve learner interest and achievement in STEM areas. 

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Scale-Up Programs 2026-2027

STEMwonder

presented by the Iowa Regents’ Center for Early Developmental Education at the University of Northern Iowa

Carefully curated kits of materials engage students in science and engineering concepts through play-based integrative STEM and literacy experiences that motivate students to use the tools of literacy.

Exploring AI and the Future of Work

presented by CodeJoy LLC

 Provides a focused and engaging learning experience to address classroom AI integration through hands-on activities.

FIRST Tech Challenge

presented by the College of Engineering at the University of Iowa

Students design, build and program robots to compete in events. FTC emphasizes innovation, collaboration, and real-world problem-solving through a team-based competition.

Application Process and Timeline
  • November - December 2025: Selected program providers collaborate with Iowa STEM to prepare materials for the educator application phase.
  • Jan. 27, 2026: Educator application opens in IowaGrants.gov
  • March 10, 2026: Educator application due in IowaGrants.gov by 4:59 p.m. Central Time
  • Week of April 20, 2026: Awarded educators notified.
  • May 2026: Program providers introduced to awarded educators to begin planning.
  • Summer 2026: Initial professional development/training in preparation for program implementation 2026-27 school year.
  • July 2026 - June 2027: Scale-Up Program Implementation
  • Spring 2027 - Awardees affirm commitment to implement for year 2 (2027-2028)
  • Spring 2028 - Awardees affirm commitment to implement for year 3 (2028-2029)
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

STEM Scale-Up programs are delivered to the awarded educator applicants. Funding is provided from Iowa STEM Regional Hub Institutions directly to STEM Scale-Up Program Provider, rather than to the awarded educator applicants. On occasion, some STEM Scale-Up programs may require out-of-pocket funds as noted in their descriptions.