The Governor’s STEM Advisory Council celebrated its fifth anniversary on June 30, convening its members plus guests at the Sheraton West Des Moines Hotel to take stock on a number of strategic fronts as well as take aim on new ambitions.
The STEM Equity working group brought forth six powerful recommendations for engaging students of diversity. The Computer Science working group sharpened three recommendations for according all Iowa youth quality CS learning opportunities. The Active Learning Community Partners working group reported on astounding gains by instructors and youth participating in the Dimensions of Success (DoS) professional development. A new metric, “Where are they now?” is being taken up by the University of Iowa’s Center for Evaluation and Assessment. Strategic America profiled a robust year of messaging impact. The Global STEM, Agriculture Science, Counselor Engagement and Youth Voice working groups portrayed forward motion as well.
Two ancillary advancements, Career and Technical Education (CTE) legislation and the Regents Alternative Pathway for Iowa Licensure (RAPIL) program, were profiled, amidst video debuts of Iowa STEM careers and a recognition ceremony of the state’s six outstanding STEM Hub Institutions.
Educator Ehren Whigham along with student Henry entranced the STEM Council over their school+business partnership between Roosevelt High School and Confluence Brewery to make root beer.
Huddles around business connections, nonprofit policy and global STEM mindsets rounded out the day, book-ended by inspiring commentary by co-chairs Lt. Governor Kim Reynolds and Kemin Industries President and CEO Dr. Chris Nelson. Iowa’s “edu-nomic” development initiative continues to provide plenty of inspiraSTEM!
For more information about the Governor’s STEM Advisory Council, visit http://www.iowastem.gov/council