New Chapter for STEM Youth Advisory Group

Students from communities across Iowa take part in the STEM Council Youth Advisory Board.
Students from communities across Iowa take part in the STEM Council Youth Advisory Board.

An inspiring group of 24 Iowa youth, ranging from middle school through college age, were recently appointed to the STEM Youth Advisory Group. These students will represent their peers across the state as they contribute to the STEM Council’s mission and will provide a valuable evaluative lens for Council activities.

This group of young people has potential to help shift the discussion from teachers motivating students about STEM to students influencing STEM involvement in their schools and communities.

Though members have a broad array of experience in STEM education, they all have one thing in common – a strong interest and passion for STEM.

“Before I joined FIRST Lego League (FLL) I never really had an interest in STEM. My coach that year also happened to be my 7th grade science teacher. As the FLL season progressed, I got closer to my team members, as well as my coach. Their passions for STEM grew on me, and I realized that this was the type of community I always wanted to be a part of,” said Ella Meyer, STEM Youth Advisory Group member. “I am on this board to lead, to grow, to impact, to mentor and to embrace others into this wonderful experience!”

The group is led by Amber Pargmann, John Deere Distinctive Product Quality Manager and South Central Regional STEM Advisory Board member, and Allison Plunkett, John Deere Full Tree Engineering Manager and Northeast Regional STEM Advisory Board member.

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