News

STEM Re-alignment Update from the Executive Director

The lead story in January’s STEM newsletter was about the prospect of integrating Iowa’s STEM organization with the Iowa Department of Education on July 1. The amazing accomplishments of this organization thanks to you and thousands more advocates were re-accounted as backdrop for the bright horizons of our new home.

STEM Re-alignment Update from the Executive Director

The lead story in January’s STEM newsletter was about the prospect of integrating Iowa’s STEM organization with the Iowa Department of Education on July 1.

Kelly Giesemann and Steph Monahan, Dubuque High School biology teachers, participated in the STEM Teacher Externships Program with the Clinical and Professional Development Department at MercyOne in Dubuque, Iowa.

Teachers Answer "Why do a Summer Externship?"

It is quite a commitment for an Iowa teacher to block six weeks to experience a workplace that uses the skills and knowledge of the class they teach. Typically, teachers use summer to revise or create new courses, or to further their education, or to teach summer school or coach at a camp.

Ann Watts led the Microsoft Imagine Academy on behalf of the STEM Council since 2014.

Thank You for Advancing the T in STEM, Ann

The Microsoft Imagine Academy has bridged Iowa classrooms to the world of work through Microsoft Office training and certification opportunities.

Two Programs Earn STEM Seal of Approval

From robotics clubs and engineering events to coding programs and ballet performances, STEM can happen almost anywhere. The STEM Council established the STEM Seal of Approval to recognize and support non-Council programs and events that significantly advance STEM in Iowa.

Students from Okoboji Middle School share about their workplace experiences, lessons and ambitions through the STEM BEST Program No Boundaries at the 25th STEM Advisory Council meeting at Accumold in Ankeny.

What Do You Get From 70 STEM Leaders in a Room?

Inspiration. Evidence. Ideas. Future vision. Those were the outcomes of the 25th meeting of the Governor’s STEM Advisory Council held in Ankeny on April 20.

Students from Hawthorne Elementary School in Keokuk who participated in the STEM Scale-Up Program Robot Investigations with Finch Robot reported more confidence with new technology and increased interest in computer science and robotics.

Keokuk Students Grow with Computer Science

Each year, STEM Scale-Up Program evaluation data indicates positive impact in students’ test scores, in interest in STEM subjects and in pursuing STEM careers.

The Quad City Engineering and Science Council (QCESC) Battle of the Bridges earned the STEM Council Seal of Approval for their success in advancing STEM principles in Iowa.

Battle of the Bridges Stamped with Seal of Approval

Another Iowa program earned the STEM Council Seal of Approval for their effort to enculturate, sustain and spread STEM thinking across the state.

Statewide demand for STEM Council programming reached record levels and STEM partners delivered with additional support to further reach to and impact on youth in Iowa.

STEM Council Programming Extended Thanks to Private Investments

The 2022-2023 year has proven to be one of outstanding demand and need for the Iowa STEM Council’s programming and resources to educators and students across Iowa.

Students from Boone EDGE, a STEM BEST Program, launched a podcast featuring Boone School District alumni and their career paths.

STEM BEST Students Turn Podcasters

STEM education goes beyond science, technology, engineering and mathematics; it provides durable skills for the future and curiosity for life. What started as curiosity in technology and human connection led to the launch of a successful podcast for students from Boone High School.