The best teachers are often the ones trying to find creative ways to communicate their message and now one telecoms firm in the state is offering assistance with that cause.

The CenturyLink Foundation’s Teachers and Technology grant program, administered by the Iowa Association of School Boards, is accepting applications from teachers who want to implement technology in their classroom to increase student achievement.

“The grants recognize and reward teachers on the cutting edge of digital learning who do everything possible to create technology-rich learning experiences in their classrooms,” said Tom Downs, executive director of the Iowa Association of School Boards. “Digital fluency will be required for all students to be successful, and we are excited to be part of helping this grant program provide support to teachers who offer meaningful and creative higher-level learning opportunities for their students.”

As part of Affordable Housing Week, April 15th-20th, 50 students have been challenged to design an affordable home for a fictional Des Moines family.

The top designer will earn themselves a $2,000 scholarship with two additional $500 prizes on offer for the runners-up.

From 9 a.m. Saturday, the students’ work will be on public display at the Pappajohn Center in the Western Gateway. Five will present their work to a panel of judges from 10 a.m.

Justine Bangert of ASK Studio, one of the contest's creators said, “The definition of affordable housing often has a social stigma attached to it. As architects, we strive to challenge design issues such as this every day. This event will be a great way to educate the community on what ‘affordable’ actually means and how it doesn’t have to look any different than the house next door. We look forward to seeing the students’ solutions and how they interpret affordable housing.”