Harris-Lake Park school district receives state STEM award

The Iowa Governor’s STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering & Math) Advisory Council at the Department of Education has announced Harris-Lake Park 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 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 of up to $50,000 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. 

Along with its STEM BEST® recognition, the Harris-Lake Park Community School District announces the STEM Wolves D.E.N. (Discovery, Experience, and Navigation) program. This program will give students hands-on learning experiences in science, technology, engineering and math while helping them explore careers and connect what they learn in school to real jobs in the area. By working closely with local business and community partners, students will gain real-world experience and develop the skills they need for college, work, and life after graduation.

The major partners for the STEM Wolves D.E.N. include Pure Fishing in Spirit Lake, Avera Medical Group and Die Cast Manufacturing. Each partner represents a different part of the STEM fields.