After 15-month Hiatus, STEM Advisory Council Meeting #22

The 22nd meeting of the Iowa Governor's STEM Advisory Council.
Leaders in business, higher education, PreK-12 educators, nonprofits, state and local government officials met online and in-person at the Iowa State University Student Innovation Center as part of the 22nd convening of the Governor's STEM Advisory Counci

The twenty-second convening of the STEM Advisory Council was held at the Iowa State University (ISU) Student Innovation Center on April 29. The Center offers space that inspires innovation through experimentation, interdisciplinary collaboration and idea exchange – all of which encompass the mission and goals set forth for the STEM Council.

A hybrid of in-person and online Council members, including leaders in business, education, state and local government officials, ninety in all, safely convened for the first time since the start of the pandemic to pave the path forward for STEM learning in Iowa.

ISU President Wendy Wintersteen welcomed Council members and Co-Chairs Gov. Kim Reynolds and Foundation Analytical Laboratory Owner and Director Diane Young opened the meeting.

Several advancements and updates were shared, including:

  • Sheila Miller, Blessed Maria Assunta Pallotta Catholic Middle School teacher, shared about their STEM Scale-Up Program.
  • Ann Gritzner, Central Community School District teacher, and several of her students shared about their STEM BEST Program.
  • Robbie Cundy, Sioux Center High School mathematics teacher, shared about STEM Teacher Externships.
  • Progress updates were provided by the Diversity, Equity and Inclusion Working Group, the Creativity and Innovation Committee and the Career Guidance Committee.
  • Dr. Erin Heiden, Assistant Director for the University of Northern Iowa Center for Social and Behavioral Research, shared key findings and highlights from the STEM Annual Assessment Report.
  • Tenth year anniversary planning and re-brand information were also shared.

The meeting closed with remarks and reflection from the STEM Council Co-Chairs.

The 62-member STEM Advisory Council works to engage and prepare students for a career-ready workforce path and to ensure that every Iowa student has access to world-class STEM education opportunities.

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