Keokuk High School Expands Agriculture Program with Ag Mechanics

Keokuk High School (KHS) has been selected as one of 30 school districts in Iowa to receive the prestigious 2026-27 STEM BEST (Businesses Engaging Students and Teachers) Program award. This award includes a grant from the Iowa Governor’s STEM Advisory Council at the Department of Education, enabling KHS to expand its Agriculture program by introducing an Ag Mechanics curriculum. The initiative aims to meet community needs while responding to student requests for more comprehensive program offerings.

Jessica Koehler, KHS Work-Based Learning coordinator and Career and Technical Education (CTE) program director, emphasized the significance of this expansion. “By adding Ag Mechanics to our existing Agriculture program, we will expand hands-on learning opportunities and prepare students with the technical skills that local employers are seeking,” Koehler stated. The new Ag Mechanics program will offer students practical training in areas such as machinery operation, welding, small engine repair, equipment maintenance, and precision agriculture technologies.

This educational enhancement addresses a critical workforce demand voiced by local businesses in the Keokuk community. It is designed to prepare students for postsecondary education, industry certifications, and to foster a skilled, workplace-ready agricultural workforce. KHS Agriculture director and FFA advisor, Brady Martin, remarked, “This grant is a game changer for our students. It allows us to offer real-world, hands-on learning that directly connects classroom instruction to the skills employers expect and need.”

Program Details and Community Support

In addition to technical training, the Ag Mechanics program aims to integrate soft skills such as teamwork, problem-solving, and workplace communication. These competencies will equip students to excel in future careers. KHS has been proactive in enhancing its Career and Technical Education offerings, which already include robust programs in Work-Based Learning. The previous STEM BEST Program focused on soft skills development, which is vital for workplace readiness.

The growing interest in an Agriculture and Ag Mechanics program arose from community feedback and a Comprehensive Local Needs Assessment (CLNA). School-wide surveys revealed strong student enthusiasm for agricultural coursework, leading to the establishment of the Agriculture program and KHS’s first Future Farmers of America (FFA) chapter in Fall 2025.

KHS Principal Nathan Harrison actively encouraged the application for this grant, which has garnered support from Dr. Kathy Dinger, Superintendent of the Keokuk Community School District. Both leaders are enthusiastic about how this expansion will further strengthen partnerships with the local agricultural community.

To meet the requirements of the STEM BEST program, the Keokuk Community School District will provide matching funds of up to $25,000, which can be supplemented by donations. School districts that apply for the STEM BEST Program must submit a detailed proposal that aligns with STEM goals, emphasizes sustainability, and evaluates the program’s effectiveness.

Impact on Students and Future Workforce

The Ag Mechanics program will be inclusive, ensuring accessibility for all students, particularly women and individuals with disabilities, who have been historically underrepresented in agricultural careers. The STEM BEST Program fosters collaboration between schools and businesses, offering students real workplace experiences and equipping them with career-ready skills.

The initiative is part of a broader effort to encourage collaboration between educators and industry professionals. The STEM Council’s investment of up to $50,000 will support curriculum development, educator training, and the establishment of work-based learning environments.

Among the 30 school districts awarded the STEM BEST Program grant are several from different regions of Iowa, including returning districts such as College Community School District and new entrants like Mediapolis Community School District. This diverse array of schools underscores the growing recognition of the importance of STEM education in preparing students for the workforce.

For more information on the STEM BEST® Program, interested parties can visit the official website of the Iowa Governor’s STEM Advisory Council.