Linn-Mar Venture program awarded $40K state grant to expand health science curriculum

MARION — The Linn-Mar High School project-based learning program Venture Academics was awarded a $40,000 grant this week from the Iowa governor’s science, technology, engineering and math advisory council.

Venture Academics is a new and innovative learning program launched at the beginning of the 2021-22 school year designed to give students opportunity to earn traditional high school credit through non-traditional, project-based experiences.

Venture was one of 38 school districts to receive the science, technology, engineering and math (STEM) Businesses Engaging Students and Teachers H.D. Program models for 2021.

The program is designed to prepare students for the workforce through curriculum focused on skills needed in job sectors, such as computer science, information technology, health care professions and advanced manufacturing.

The grant is specifically for the Venture health science strand. The award can be used for facility upgrades, equipment, time for program planning with partners, travel needs or integrating curriculum into existing courses.

Businesses Engaging Students and Teachers H.D. Program is the result of a special appropriation from the Iowa Legislature to expand the program to focus efforts on job sectors that are in high demand. It allows educators and industry professionals to work together to develop curriculum and projects that prepare students for careers in these high-demand fields, according to a news release.

The funds will focus on expanding Venture’s Health Sciences program by introducing the Project Lead the Way Biomedical Sciences course, which offers hands-on learning, such as working with professionals and touring various businesses and medical facilities.

At Venture, students choose an area of interest with associated high school coursework, then meet learning targets through project-based experiences. Project-based experiences are tied largely to local and area business, government, education and industry, and seek to provide value to both students and community partners.

“STEM education is important because it encourages students to use critical thinking skills to develop innovative ideas while learning science, technology, engineering, and math,” said Chelsi Snead, Venture health science teacher. “Venture also incorporates development of characteristics necessary to be a productive and successful team member, encourages networking, and broadens awareness of career opportunities.”

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