News

Iowa Classrooms+Workplaces Summit: Forging Work-Based Learning Partnerships

The Governor’s STEM Advisory Council (Iowa STEM) at the Iowa Department of Education produced the Iowa Classrooms+Workplaces Summit on April 10 at the Iowa Events Center in Des Moines.

Roger Hargens, former STEM Council co-chair, provides remarks at the 2019 STEM Day at the State Fair.

Save the Date for Upcoming STEM Events

Every year, the STEM Council hosts various events that engage Iowans and advance STEM initiatives across the state. Last year, in-person events were reimagined out of caution and safety measures.

Grab a pencil and mark your calendars! Exciting STEM events are on the horizon to be held safely in person once again. Check out the upcoming events below:

Diane Young has been appointed STEM Council co-chair to serve alongside Governor Reynolds.

New Co-Chair to Champion STEM Council

Governor Kim Reynolds appointed Foundation Analytical Laboratory Owner and Director of Technical Services, Diane Young, to serve as the next STEM Council co-chair, succeeding Accumold CEO and president Roger Hargens.

The 22nd meeting of the Iowa Governor's STEM Advisory Council.

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

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.

The STEM Council is seeking inspirational stories of STEM impact from the past ten years.

Inspirational Stories Share Decade of Impact

Since the STEM Council was formed in 2011, nearly 1,000,000 students have been impacted by the programs and opportunities. Below are some of those stories from the STEM Council’s decade of impact.

Tracy Ferguson, Van Meter Community School District elementary teacher:

Tips for implementing authentic learning for students through the STEM BEST Program.

Insider Look at Launching a STEM BEST Program

Authentic learning experiences allow students to gain important life skills at an early age, while equipping them for future education and employment opportunities. STEM BEST Program partner, Rachael Strong of North Fayette Valley, worked with Keystone Area Education Agency to develop a video about how to implement authentic learning for students through the STEM BEST Program.

STEM BEST Office Hours

The STEM Advisory Council's Project Coordinator, Tanya Hunt, has set aside time to connect with anyone who wants to learn more about the STEM BEST Program. Each week, she will host office hours to discuss topics relevant to STEM BEST and answer any questions. To register, simply select the week of interest and date/time that works best for you.

A Decade of Igniting Skills for the Future, Curiosity for Life

The STEM Council is celebrating 10 years of progress toward increased interest and achievement in STEM education for all Iowans. To launch this milestone anniversary, the STEM Council is sharing a video highlighting the growth and evolution of STEM education in Iowa.

STEM Evaluation Report Indicates Progress and Opportunities

The STEM Council released the 2019-2020 Iowa STEM Evaluation Report, which highlights the statewide impact of STEM Council’s programs on PreK-12 students and teachers across the state. The independent assessment examines eighteen indicators ranging from student interest in STEM, public support of STEM and postsecondary majors and career trends in STEM.

STEM BEST Application Opens

The STEM Council is now accepting applications for the STEM BEST (Business Engaging Students and Teachers) Program, which brings schools and businesses together to provide students with real workplace experiences while earning academic credits. The opportunity is available to Iowa public and non-public school districts and buildings serving students in grades K-12.