Iowa STEM Blog

Friday, December 12, 2023

December 1, 2023

At the Iowa Governor's STEM Advisory Council, we are proud to reflect on the tremendous growth and success of STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics) education in our state. We owe this achievement to the unwavering support and dedication from our advocates, corporate partners, and program participants who have played an instrumental role in shaping Iowa's STEM landscape.

Over the years, Iowa has witnessed a remarkable transformation in its approach to STEM education. Thanks to the collaborative efforts of various stakeholders, including educators, policymakers, industry leaders, and community organizations, we have witnessed a surge in interest and participation in STEM among our students.

Since the inception of the Iowa Governor's STEM Advisory Council, we have witnessed a significant increase in program participation statewide. The number of students engaged in STEM-related activities has grown year after year, empowering them to explore and pursue diverse career opportunities in STEM fields.

Let's take a moment to recognize and acknowledge the impact of our supporters and partners.

 Here are some remarkable statistics that showcase the growth of STEM in Iowa:

  • More than 1 million Iowa youth have taken part in the Scale-Up programming since its launch in 2012.
  • There are 118 STEM BEST® models connecting thousands of students with workplace partnerships.
  • The STEM Teacher Externships Program was one of the first core programs of the STEM education effort in Iowa. It was piloted in the summer of 2009 with 10 STEM educators and today—there have been more than 800 teachers who have spent their summer in industry and other workplaces.
  • The Computer Science is Elementary Project was a pilot project which began with six high-poverty elementary schools in 2019 and an additional six high-poverty elementary schools added a few months later – 12 total.
  • The STEM Council created the first community STEM festival in 2011, since then there have been over 250 STEM festivals throughout Iowa—serving 150,000 youth and adults.
  • With the Spring 2024 STEM Council RAPIL Scholarship there will have been 89 STEM professionals being supported to transition from career to teaching.
  • The White House strategic plan for STEM education, Charting a Course for Success: America’s Strategy for STEM Education (2018) was modeled after Iowa STEM.

Collectively, these accomplishments would not have been possible without the commitment and passion of our STEM advocates, corporate partners, and the countless individuals who have participated in our STEM programs. Your support has propelled us forward, enabling Iowa to become a national leader in STEM education.

As we reflect on how far we've come, we recognize that this is only the beginning. We must continue to foster innovation, inspire the next generation of STEM professionals, and ensure that STEM education remains a priority in Iowa.

To all our supporters, we extend our heartfelt gratitude. Thank you for believing in the power of STEM and for your unwavering dedication to our mission. Collectively, we are building a brighter future for Iowa, equipping our students with the skills and knowledge they need to thrive in an ever-evolving world.

Together, let's continue this journey, forging new partnerships, and creating even more opportunities for students to excel in STEM. With your continued support, we are confident that Iowa will remain at the forefront of STEM education for years to come.

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