Waukee’s APEX program was among 10 school-business partnerships designated as STEM BEST Partners by the Iowa Governor’s STEM Advisory Council. The honored programs help promote education in science, technology, engineering and mathematics in kindergarten through 12th grade and to promote STEM careers. (The “BEST” part stands for Businesses Engaging Students and Teachers.) The programs will share nearly $250,000 in state and private funds through the STEM council. Awardees include Waukee, Davenport Assumption, Boone, Fort Madison and Spencer high schools and the IKM-Manning, Muscatine, Story County consortium, and West Delaware County school districts, along with North Cedar Elementary School in Cedar Falls.