Scale Up with FUSE
FUSE is excited to provide equitable access to high quality STEM programs in Iowa.
Through legislative appropriation, the Iowa Governer’s STEM Advisory Council is able to offer exemplary STEM programs throughout the state. FUSE is honored to be selected as a Program Provider for the FY25 STEM Scale Up Program. Through this program, schools in Iowa will receive a one-year start up award to launch FUSE.
Iowa STEM Scale Up Award Calendar
- August 2024: FUSE Materials delivered to schools
FUSE Scale Up Webinars
Meet live with the FUSE Program Staff for a 15 minute presentation, followed by Q&A. Learn more about FUSE and our implementation guidelines, and ask your questions! Register above; webinar will be recorded and shared here.
FUSE & Iowa State Standards
FUSE addresses several specific Iowa standards related to 21st century skills (particularly technology literacy), math, and science (particularly engineering design). It is also aligned to both NGSS and ISTE standards: learn more on our How FUSE Works page.
The FUSE Award
This award will provide awarded partners one year of the FUSE program, for the 2024-2025 school year, including:
- Site license and materials for the FUSE Innovate package (32 Challenges), a $20,000 value.
- All equipment and materials needed for the program, including two 3D printers (Prusa i3Mk3+’s), a vinyl cutter (Cameo Silhouette) and all challenge kit materials.
- Unlimited access to the FUSE website, which hosts the FUSE’s learning activities, help resources, and studio management tools
- Professional development: two-day in-person training for teachers and administrators from selected schools, to be held in Iowa in July - August 2024.
- Year-round implementation support from the FUSE team.
- $400 credit toward replenishing supplies and materials as needed during the program year
- Discounted renewal fee for the 2025-2026 license renewal, covering the site license, website access, support and training as needed. Typical renewal costs $6,000 per year; STEM Scale up recipients will be able to renew at $4,500 for the first renewal year.
Eligibility
This program is available to eligible educators located in Iowa.
Video: Students talk about FUSE (2:22)
What is FUSE?
FUSE is a STEAM education program for students in 5th-12th grade, designed to engage all learners. FUSE ignites and nurtures STEAM exploration through an innovative challenge-based approach and studio-like environment, where students are encouraged to direct their own learning.
FUSE Challenges
The learning activities of the program are designed to introduce STEAM concepts and skills in a fun and engaging way. Students choose Challenges they want to work on and progress at their own pace. Challenges are based in STEAM topics including architecture, 3D design and printing, robotics, music, animation and more. Try our most popular Challenge, Sculpty Pet.
Research-based Design
FUSE is a research-based program developed in Northwestern University’s School of Education and Social Policy. Our outcomes demonstrate that in FUSE, students develop a growth mindset and 21st century skills (including problem-solving, communication and innovation).
FUSE Website
Our youth-driven approach to STEAM exploration is supported by a robust web platform that allows students to access instructions and video tutorials on-demand, helps youth track their progress, and stores their work between sessions.
Questions?
If you have questions about FUSE, your proposal, or aligning to our priorities, please don’t hesitate to contact the FUSE Team, via IowaSTEM@fusestudio.net.
School Requirements
To successfully apply for this opportunity, your school will need to commit to providing the following:
Dedicated Time for FUSE
A regular, scheduled opportunity for students to engage in FUSE
Facilitator
The FUSE facilitator is the classroom teacher, librarian, or other educator who will implement FUSE. This person does not need STEAM or science expertise; FUSE provides professional development training and ongoing support to all FUSE facilitators. They should be excited about learning new technologies alongside students! The award supports up to eight facilitators per school, and we invite all stakeholders from a given school to attend our summer training.
1:1 Computers
PC’s, Macs, and Chromebooks are all compatible with our program (Chromebooks need at least 4GB of RAM available). If using Chromebooks, partners will also need to provide at least two full computers for installed software, to support 3D printers and vinyl cutter.
Studio
A room with plenty of work space for individuals and groups, at tables and on the floor.
Fast Internet
Connection capable of supporting multiple simultaneous video streams.
IT Support
Robust IT staff or department to help with software installation and technical troubleshooting.
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions about FUSE Awards
FUSE is a STEAM education program which provides a suite of Challenges and professional development so you can implement a STEAM lab/studio in your school. For complete recommendations for FUSE program implementation, please visit our Get Started page.
What do I need to do to apply?
Step 1. The application is managed by the Iowa Governor’s STEM Advisory Council.
Step 2. Plan for FUSE! You can learn more about our program here on our website (including trying out a Challenge). We also encourage you to attend one of our info webinars to learn more about FUSE, recommended implementation plans, and to ask questions.
Step 3. Work as a team (lead teacher, administration, IT coordinator) to complete your application by February 28, 2024.
What is the timeline for the award application, notification and implementation?
See the Award Timeline above.