Drake University and Des Moines Area Community College recently announced a partnership to offer a STEM (science, technology, engineering, and mathematics) certificate for elementary education majors.

The STEM certificate will be available to elementary education majors who wish to expand their knowledge in the STEM areas. Through the partnership, students who start at DMACC can begin courses in the STEM certificate and then transfer to Drake to complete the program. Students who do not attend DMACC first, but solely attend Drake, can still receive the certificate.

“This initiative represents an important development that is sure to be followed by many other efforts to infuse math and science directly into classrooms across Iowa,” says Drake University President David Maxwell. “As a result, elementary students will be better prepared for success in areas of critical national need.”

The certificate is part of Drake’s work as a regional STEM hub. Earlier this year, Iowa Gov. Terry Branstad named Drake one of six such centers in the state. As a hub site, Drake committed to capitalizing on existing relationships with outside organizations to create a strong STEM advisory council and reaching out to others to lead a strong effort in the region.