The STEM Council launched the Seal of Approval in March 2015 to recognize programs and events taking place throughout the state that align with STEM Council goals and are unaffiliated with existing STEM Council programs. Seal of Approval awardees are able to use the Seal for promotion, funding and other types of support. Since its launch, 23 programs and events have been awarded the Seal of Approval.
Applications are accepted throughout the year and are reviewed by a committee. The review committee recommended the following programs and events for the Seal so far this fiscal year.
- Precision Ag and Animal Science Field Days at ISU Extension and Outreach (Northwest Iowa): The global purpose of the field days is to engage students in hands-on learning and to create awareness of endless career possibilities in Northwest Iowa. The goal is to connect youth with local business and industry leaders, thereby creating awareness of the ever-evolving agriculture industry and providing information and resources on how students can prepare for these careers.
- Girls Go STEM Community Education Program at The University of Iowa: Girls Go STEM community education program is a half-day educational experience hosted by The University of Iowa Health Care Marketing and Communications Collegiate and Community Relations. The target audience includes girls in grades 6-8 and their parents. Girls Go STEM provides young women the opportunity to discover and explore their interests in science, technology, engineering and mathematics, as it relates to the sciences arena. Girls Go STEM provides parents the opportunity to gain knowledge and understand biomedical discoveries related to adolescent health and wellness, while also learning how to encourage and prepare their children for a future in STEM.
- World Food Prize Iowa Youth Institute: The Iowa Youth Institute encourages all Iowa high school students to pursue hunger-fighting career paths in science, technology, engineering and mathematics. The institute focuses on inquiry-based learning and allows students to present their own evidence-based ideas to faculty and industry experts at their annual event on Iowa State University's campus. Students also participate in on-campus immersions that allow them to explore 21st-century careers including genetics, dietetics, agronomy, environmental science, nutrition and agricultural technology.
For more information about the STEM Council’s Seal of Approval and how to apply, please visit www.IowaSTEM.gov/Seal.