The Career Academy of Pella has been selected to receive a 2026–2027 Iowa STEM BEST Program Award from the Iowa Governor’s STEM Advisory Council at the Department of Education. Pella was one of just 31 school districts statewide to earn this honor.

Program advisor Teri Vos says the Career Academy of Pella and the WorkSMART Connector is launching an Emergency Medical Technician (EMT) training program for high school students, in partnership with the City of Pella.

“The award will give several students the opportunity to earn EMT certification at little to no cost, preparing them for an in-demand career that is in critical need throughout Iowa.”

The STEM Council’s investment of up to $50,000 per model 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.