IKM-Manning Receives Iowa STEM BEST Grant Funds
December 13, 2025
IKM-Manning High School will receive additional support from the Iowa Governor’s STEM Advisory Council to expand its student-run business as part of the STEM BEST Program. BEST, which stands for Businesses Engaging Students and Teachers, will help the district strengthen work-based learning opportunities during the 2025-26 school year through IKM-Manning’s FIRE program, which specializes in shirt printing and laser engraving.
The funding will allow FIRE to purchase an additional laser engraver, enabling students to take on larger projects and boost production to meet growing demand. Co-facilitator Luann Langel says, “The FIRE program concentrates on developing students’ soft skills—specifically communication, collaboration, creativity, and critical thinking. Students work through real-world scenarios involving customers, supplies, and deadlines. This class helps prepare them for any path they choose after high school, whether that means continuing on to college or entering the workforce.”
The enhancement awards announced by the Iowa Department of Education (DoE) support existing STEM BEST programs that demonstrate growth potential with awards of up to $50,000 that also leverage local matching funds. Other recipients this cycle include public districts in Allamakee, Boone, Creston, Easton Valley, Iowa City, Pleasant Valley, Waverly, and Woodbine, as well as Holy Family Catholic Schools in Dubuque.
