A press release from the Governor’s Office stated that a series of community conversations featuring science, technology, engineering and math (STEM) education and economic development that will take place across the state in September and October. The community conversations are designed to seek feedback from Iowans about what priorities the Governor’s STEM Advisory Council should focus on as the STEM initiative continues to build across Iowa.
“We are determined to provide Iowa’s young people with engaging STEM education opportunities, no matter where they live,†said Reynolds, co-chair of the Governor’s STEM Advisory Council. “That will help assure more students are well equipped to be knowledgeable citizens and to someday begin college or career training prepared for success. It also will help assure a stronger STEM employee pipeline for Iowa’s businesses and industries.â€
All parents, grandparents, educators, business and civic leaders, legislators and other Iowans are invited to attend the hour-long, town hall style meetings.
“We are in the process of rolling out STEM programs through our scale-up initiative and these community conversations are a way to foster STEM relationships between local businesses, the regional STEM networks and area schools,” said Allen, co-chair of the Governor’s STEM Advisory Council.
The Governor’s STEM Advisory Council is a public-private partnership whose overarching goal is creating greater student achievement in STEM subjects and a stronger STEM workforce.
“STEM jobs are projected to be among the fastest growing and best paying. Iowa’s economy also will benefit if more young people are ready for STEM jobs. Employers routinely tell us they have difficulty filling STEM jobs that pay well because applicants lack the right skill set,†said Branstad.
The following STEM Community Conversation event will be held on Drake’s campus and is open to the public:
Monday, September 17, 2012
Polk County STEM Community Conversation
Drake Legal Clinic Courtroom
2400 University Avenue
Des Moines, IA