689220 - 2026-2027 Enhancement Award

The Iowa Department of Education is offering a one‑time Enhancement Award up to $15,000 for school districts that already operate a STEM BEST® program and wish to improve or expand it after the original award period ends. The award is not intended for ongoing operations but for specific enhancements such as new industry partnerships, curriculum upgrades, or expanded work‑based learning opportunities, with a focus on underserved student participation. Applicants must submit a narrative and budget justification within character limits, and awards are announced in December with a performance period from December through May. • Eligible applicants: Iowa school districts or systems with an active STEM BEST® model (cannot be current STEM BEST® awardees). • Funding limit: $15,000 maximum, no cost‑share required; budget must align with proposed enhancements. • Timeline: Application opens Sep 30 2026, deadline Nov 2 2026; awards announced Dec 2026; performance Dec 2026‑May 2027. • Evaluation criteria: description of current model, enrichment plan, student skill benefits, underserved student participation, and budget alignment (total 35 points). • Preference given to districts that have not received consecutive enhancement awards.