St. Ansgar Community School District Receives STEM BEST® Program Award
ST. ANSGAR, Iowa — Jan. 14, 2026 — The Iowa Governor’s STEM Advisory Council at the Department of Education announced St. Ansgar School District as one of the 31 school districts 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 workplace experiences, introduce businesses and career opportunities in Iowa and gain career-ready skills.
The district was awarded a $50,000 grant to expand hands-on career and technical education by adding a Truck Driving Simulator for students in grades 8–12. This initiative builds on strong partnerships with Mitchell County businesses and the district’s successful use of heavy equipment simulators to expose students to industry-grade technology. Industrial Arts Teacher Craig Christensen submitted the application on behalf of the district.
The STEM BEST® Program encourages teachers and industry professionals to work side-by-side to develop a work-based learning model that incorporates STEM subjects like mathematics and science with experiential learning opportunities to emphasize future focused skills for the workplace. The STEM Council’s investment for professional and financial support can be used for curriculum development and coordination, educator training and development in workplace-classroom integration and preparing work-based learning environments.
The district’s goal is to have the Truck Driving Simulator operational by the end of the school year. Housed within the district’s Industrial Technology program, the simulator will be accessible to all students each semester. Some students will explore trucking careers briefly, while others will complete in-depth training that positions them for high-demand, high-wage careers in transportation and logistics. The simulator offers a safe, realistic setting for students to practice pre-trip inspections, develop commercial driving skills, and prepare for the CDL written exam. Although students must be 18 to earn a CDL, the simulator allows them to build skills and confidence ahead of time using authentic, industry-grade truck controls.
Christensen said, “This simulator directly connects our students to workforce needs in Mitchell County. It’s a powerful tool for preparing students for high-wage, in-demand careers close to home.”
St. Ansgar Superintendent Tony Hiatt added, “We sincerely thank teacher Craig Christensen for his vision and initiative in bringing this project forward. This initiative aligns perfectly with STEM BEST goals by expanding career pathways, strengthening school-business partnerships, and preparing students for postsecondary success. The strong support from local businesses through financial contributions, training assistance, and equipment access demonstrates the power of our community working together.”
To be considered for a STEM BEST® Program award, applicants were required to submit a comprehensive proposal that incorporates rigorous and relevant STEM curriculum, includes valuable partnerships with community businesses or organizations, aligns with STEM goals, addresses sustainability of the model program and evaluates the program’s effectiveness.
For more information on the STEM BEST® Program, please visit educate.iowa.gov/STEM/BEST.
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About the Iowa Governor’s STEM Advisory Council: Established in July 2011 via Governor’s Executive Order, the Iowa Governor’s STEM Advisory Council is a public-private partnership of educators, companies and Iowa students and families addressing policies and programs designed to improve Iowa’s educational system focused on science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM). The STEM Council works to engage and prepare students for a career-ready workforce path, regain our state’s historic leadership position in education and provide a vital competitive economic advantage now, and for the future, to ensure that every Iowa student has access to world-class STEM education opportunities. The STEM Council is co-chaired by Lt. Governor Chris Cournoyer and Foundation Analytical Laboratory Owner and Director of Technical Services Diane Young. For more information, visit educate.iowa.gov/STEM.
