Clarke Community School District Awarded 2026–27 STEM BEST® Grant
Osceola, Iowa – The Iowa Governor’s STEM Advisory Council at the Iowa Department of Education announced Clarke Community School District as one of 31 school districts selected to receive the 2026–27 STEM BEST® (Businesses Engaging Students and Teachers) Program award.
The STEM BEST® Program brings schools and businesses together to provide students with real-world workplace experiences, introduce Iowa businesses and career opportunities, and help students develop career-ready skills aligned with workforce needs.
Through this award, Clarke Community School District will partner with the City of Osceola, Murray Community School District, Southwestern Community College (SWCC), and a network of local skilled-trade subcontractors specializing in concrete, plumbing, dirt work, and HVAC. This collaborative effort is designed to connect classroom instruction with hands-on, career-focused learning experiences in the skilled trades, creating a sustainable pathway from education to employment in central Iowa.
The Clarke County STEM BEST® Program will engage students beginning in 8th grade, offering early exposure to foundational STEM concepts and skilled-trade career exploration. As students progress into high school, the program will expand in rigor, beginning in 11th grade with opportunities that include college-level coursework, internships, field experiences, and hands-on training. This structured pathway ensures students graduate with high school credit, industry-relevant skills, and career-ready credentials—preparing them for immediate entry into the workforce or continued postsecondary education.
Funding from the STEM Council, up to $50,000 in professional and financial support, will be used to support curriculum development, educator training, student field trips, professional development, modernized digital equipment, and essential tools needed to create authentic work-based learning environments.
“STEM education is critical to preparing students for the rapidly changing workforce,” said Mike White, Clarke Community School District teacher. “This program allows students to connect what they learn in the classroom to real careers in high-demand skilled trades. By partnering with local industry and higher education, we are giving students meaningful, hands-on experiences that build confidence, skills, and clear career pathways while strengthening our local workforce.”
The 2026–27 STEM BEST® Program awardees are:
South Central Iowa STEM Region
• Clarke Community School District – new
• Des Moines Independent Community School District – returning
• Newton Community School District – returning
• North Polk Community School District – returning
• Pella Community School District – returning
(Full statewide list omitted for brevity)
To be considered for a STEM BEST® Program award, applicants were required to submit a comprehensive proposal demonstrating rigorous and relevant STEM curriculum, strong business and community partnerships, alignment with statewide STEM goals, sustainability, and a clear plan for evaluating program effectiveness.
For more information on the STEM BEST® Program, visit educate.iowa.gov/STEM/BEST.