Research Experience for Teachers (RET)
Step into the lab and rediscover what it means to do science. The RET program immerses K–12 teachers in real research projects alongside Iowa State faculty. You’ll explore cutting-edge questions, collaborate with researchers, and return to your classroom with experiences and resources that spark curiosity in your students.
Summer 2026 Program Details
Dates: June 17 – July 31, 2026
Stipend: $900 per week for 6 weeks
Travel: Travel allowances available
Housing: On-campus housing available (if needed)
Classroom Supplies: Mini-grant to support implementation
And more: Weekly PD Fridays, year-round coaching, and ongoing campus connections
Research Experience for Undergrads (REU)
Future teachers, this is your chance to experience research from the inside out. The REU program places pre-service teachers in Iowa State labs for nine weeks of exploration, mentorship, and growth. You’ll connect scientific discovery with classroom practice and build the confidence to lead the next generation of learners.
Summer 2026 Program Details
Dates: June 8 – July 31, 2026
Stipend: $5000
Travel: Travel and mileage stipend available
Housing: On-campus housing available (if needed)
Meal Plan: Food/meal plan provided
Classroom Supplies: Mini-grant to support implementation
And more: Weekly PD Fridays and ongoing program connections
Broader Impacts Made Simple
Mentoring in our RET and REU programs is more than a summer role—it’s an investment in the future of STEM. By welcoming teachers and pre-service teachers into your lab, you help shape how science is taught in classrooms across the state and beyond.
Our team supports you every step of the way with orientation, check-ins, and resources to ensure success.
WHY PARTNER WITH US?
Broader Impacts, Simplified: Partnering with our programs helps fulfill grant broader-impact requirements while strengthening your research’s visibility.
Fresh Perspectives: Teachers and undergraduates bring curiosity and classroom insight that often spark new ways of communicating and framing your research.
Lasting Partnerships: Many mentors continue collaborating with participants after the summer, creating pathways for K-12 classrooms to connect with cutting-edge science.