High-quality STEM education programs will be offered for the third year to students across Iowa
CEDAR FALLS, IOWA - (Feb. 20, 2014) - With the top priority of boosting student interest and achievement in science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM), the Governor's STEM Advisory Council has approved 10 high-quality STEM education programs for 2014-15 that will be offered to schools, after-school programs and other settings for grades pre-K through 12.
The selected Scale-Up programs are: A World in Motion, The CASE for Agriculture Education in Iowa, Defined STEM, Engineering is Elementary, FIRST Tech Challenge, HyperStream, KidWind Renewable Energy STEM, SCI Pint Size Science, Project Lead the Way: Engineering and Project Lead the Way: Gateway.
Selected through a national RFP process and multi-level evaluation, these Scale-Up programs were chosen from an outstanding pool of 29 applicants. School districts, nonpublic schools, after-school programs and other active learning communities serving students will have the opportunity to apply for these Scale-Up programs beginning Monday, Feb. 24, 2014, at www.IowaSTEM.fluidreview.com.
"Seeing children actively engaged in STEM in classrooms and afterschool programs across Iowa is what the Council is all about," said Lt. Gov. Kim Reynolds, co-chair of the Governor's STEM Advisory Council. "As external evaluation shows a positive impact, the Scale-Up programs will continue to be vital partners in our mission to deliver the best possible STEM education to Iowa students."
In 2012-13, nearly 40,000 students participated in Scale-Up programming across Iowa. That number is expected to exceed 100,000 this school year. Mathematics and science test scores and interest in STEM careers were higher among Scale-Up participants in year one. Data is still being collected on year two.
"The feedback from educators and students is encouraging," said Mary Andringa, Vermeer Corporation CEO and Council co-chair. "When a student says, 'I want to be an engineer,' it's gratifying knowing these programs are feeding the workforce pipeline."
To learn more about each Scale-Up program visit: http://www.iowastem.gov/2014-
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About the Iowa Governor's STEM Advisory Council
Established in July 2011 via Governor's Executive Order, the Iowa Governor's STEM Advisory Council is a public-private partnership of educators, companies, and Iowa students and families addressing policies and programs designed to improve Iowa's educational system focused on science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM). The Council works to engage and prepare students for a career-ready workforce path, regain our State's historic leadership position in education, and provide a vital competitive economic advantage now, and for the future, to ensure that every Iowa student has access to world-class STEM education opportunities. The 45-member Council is chaired by Lt. Gov. Kim Reynolds and Vermeer Corp. CEO Mary Andringa. For more information, visit www.IowaSTEM.gov.
