News

50 Years of Meeting Students Where They Are at Metro High School

On May 30 METRO High School in Cedar Rapids celebrated its 50th Anniversary. To commemorate the day, a one-of-a-kind tree planting was a part of the celebration as METRO High School is the recipient of one of NASA's Artemis Moon Trees.

New logos for STEM Scale-Up Program, the STEM BEST Program, the STEM Teacher Externship Program and the Iowa STEM Teacher Award.

STEM Council Launches Program Logos

“The success of Iowa’s STEM programs has earned them each a recognizable brand. New logos will help with consistent recognition and efficient communications as we expand opportunities to more students, families and communities, assuring that tomorrow STEMs from Iowa,” said Jeff Weld, Executive Director of the STEM Council.

Graduates from the STEM Council’s STEM BEST Program models across Iowa cited these “lasting impressions” of their involvement.

Return on Investment for STEM BESTs

"STEM BEST has provided me the skills and techniques necessary to handle a large variety of problems in my life, as well as improved my social skills.

Students and families can take part in exciting STEM activities throughout summer.

Enjoy Summertime with STEM

There are many STEM opportunities available this summer to engage minds in learning while having fun. The STEM Council Network Team offers a variety of virtual and in-person, hands-on learning opportunities, including the upcoming events below:

Richardson Elementary in Fort Madison receives computer science instruction through Computer Science is Elementary project.

Richardson Elementary Advances Computer Science Despite Pandemic

In 2019, 12 high-poverty schools were selected to transform their schools into models of innovative computer science instruction by the close of the 2020-21 school year. Under a two-year implementation window, year one was cut short due to school closures, and year two was impacted by shifted priorities due to the pandemic.

Roger Hargens, former STEM Council co-chair, provides remarks at the 2019 STEM Day at the State Fair.

Save the Date for Upcoming STEM Events

Every year, the STEM Council hosts various events that engage Iowans and advance STEM initiatives across the state. Last year, in-person events were reimagined out of caution and safety measures.

Grab a pencil and mark your calendars! Exciting STEM events are on the horizon to be held safely in person once again. Check out the upcoming events below:

Diane Young has been appointed STEM Council co-chair to serve alongside Governor Reynolds.

New Co-Chair to Champion STEM Council

Governor Kim Reynolds appointed Foundation Analytical Laboratory Owner and Director of Technical Services, Diane Young, to serve as the next STEM Council co-chair, succeeding Accumold CEO and president Roger Hargens.

The 22nd meeting of the Iowa Governor's STEM Advisory Council.

After 15-month Hiatus, STEM Advisory Council Meeting #22

The twenty-second convening of the STEM Advisory Council was held at the Iowa State University (ISU) Student Innovation Center on April 29. The Center offers space that inspires innovation through experimentation, interdisciplinary collaboration and idea exchange – all of which encompass the mission and goals set forth for the STEM Council.

The STEM Council is seeking inspirational stories of STEM impact from the past ten years.

Inspirational Stories Share Decade of Impact

Since the STEM Council was formed in 2011, nearly 1,000,000 students have been impacted by the programs and opportunities. Below are some of those stories from the STEM Council’s decade of impact.

Tracy Ferguson, Van Meter Community School District elementary teacher:

Tips for implementing authentic learning for students through the STEM BEST Program.

Insider Look at Launching a STEM BEST Program

Authentic learning experiences allow students to gain important life skills at an early age, while equipping them for future education and employment opportunities. STEM BEST Program partner, Rachael Strong of North Fayette Valley, worked with Keystone Area Education Agency to develop a video about how to implement authentic learning for students through the STEM BEST Program.

STEM BEST Office Hours

The STEM Advisory Council's Project Coordinator, Tanya Hunt, has set aside time to connect with anyone who wants to learn more about the STEM BEST Program. Each week, she will host office hours to discuss topics relevant to STEM BEST and answer any questions. To register, simply select the week of interest and date/time that works best for you.