03 Oct 2014

QUAD CITY ENGINEERING AND SCIENCE COUNCIL SCHOLARSHIPS OPEN FOR APPLICATION for High School Seniors Interested in STEM-related Degrees

By Christine Cournoyer

The Quad-City Engineering and Science Council, or QCESC, has released its 2015 scholarship application at www.qcesc.org for students interested in studying a STEM-related degree at an accredited four-year college or university. (Science, Technology, Engineering or Mathematics)  Applications must be postmarked by January 23, 2015. The scholarships will be awarded at its 53rd annual National Engineers Week banquet tentatively set for February 26, 2015.

2015 will mark the 21st year of the QCESC awarding scholarships to encourage students majoring in science, technology, engineering and math, or STEM, related fields.  Last year 15 scholarships between $1000 and $3000 each totaling $24,000 were awarded.

These scholarships are awarded based on academics, extracurricular activities (which include work and community service), and leadership experience. An essay on career goals and why the applicant is interested in a STEM-related field is also required. High school seniors from Henry, Mercer, Rock Island, Whiteside, Carroll, Knox, Lee, Clinton, Scott, Muscatine or Louisa counties are eligible to apply. Additional requirements are on the application.

In addition to scholarships given by the QCESC and its member societies, scholarships will also be provided by the following Engineering Colleges:

  • Iowa State University (2 x $1,000)
  • University of Iowa (1 x $1,000)
  • University of Illinois - Chicago (1 x $1,000)
  • University of Wisconsin - Platteville (1 x $2,500)
  • Western Illinois University - Quad Cities Campus (1 x $1,000)
  • St. Ambrose University (1 x $2000)

The Quad City Engineering and Science Council (QCESC) is an umbrella organization representing 36 technical societies in the Quad City region with approximately 5,000 associated members. The QCESC is non-profit organized in 1963. Its mission is to Promote and support engineering, science, and technical professionals and associated societies in the Quad City Region and to also support and encourage students in the Quad City Region to study in STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics) related fields.

For more information or to download the scholarship form, visit us at www.qcesc.org .

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01 Oct 2014

State Treasurer Fitzgerald Announces College Savings Iowa's Sixth Price Reduction in the Last Decade

By Karen Austin

DES MOINES, IA (10/01/2014)(readMedia)-- State Treasurer Michael L. Fitzgerald announced today that College Savings Iowa is once again reducing its fees. "In the last decade, we have had six price reductions, resulting in a 60% decrease in fees," Fitzgerald said. "By consistently lowering fees over time, we are ensuring that more money stays in parents' and grandparents' accounts, growing along-side the children. The plan continues to be a great value for Iowans saving for future higher-education expenses." The price reduction, effective October 15, 2014, will bring the current annual asset-based fees of College Savings Iowa's portfolios down from 0.28% to 0.26%.

"In the last ten years our assets have nearly quadrupled as we approach the $4 billion mark," Fitzgerald said. "College Savings Iowa continues to share the benefits of its growth by lowering expenses, which is a testament to the plan's commitment to deliver well-managed college savings investments at low costs." The program has 220,000 accounts established with an average plan account size of over $17,000.

College Savings Iowa, created in 1998, offers families a tax-advantaged way to save money for their children's higher education. It only takes $25 to open an account, and anyone can invest in College Savings Iowa on behalf of a child. Participants who are Iowa taxpayers can deduct contributions up to $3,098 per beneficiary from their 2014 adjusted gross income, and there are no income or residency restrictions.* For more information about College Savings Iowa, visit CollegeSavingsIowa.com or call 1-888-672-9116.

*Adjusted annually for inflation. If withdrawals are not qualified, the deductions must be added back to Iowa taxable income. The availability of tax or other benefits may be contingent on meeting other requirements.

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Investment returns are not guaranteed and you could lose money by investing in the plan. Participants assume all investment risks as well as responsibility for any federal and state tax consequences. If you are not an Iowa taxpayer, consider before investing whether your or the designated beneficiary's home state offers any state tax or other benefits that are only available for investments in such state's qualified tuition program.

For more information about the College Savings Iowa 529 Plan, call 888-672-9116 or visit www.collegesavingsiowa.com to obtain a Program Description. Investment objectives, risks, charges, expenses, and other important information are included in the Program Description; read and consider it carefully before investing. Vanguard Marketing Corporation, Distributor.

College Savings Iowa is an Iowa trust sponsored by the Iowa State Treasurer's Office. The Treasurer of the State of Iowa sponsors and is responsible for overseeing the administration of the College Savings Iowa 529 Plan. The Vanguard Group, Inc., serves as Investment Manager and Vanguard Marketing Corporation, an affiliate of The Vanguard Group, Inc., assists the Treasurer with marketing and distributing the Plan. Ascensus Investment Advisors, LLC, provides records administration services. The Plan's portfolios, although they invest in Vanguard mutual funds, are not mutual funds.

01 Oct 2014

Jordan Catholic School Feeds the Hungry

By Janine Parr
During the 2014-15 school year, the students, the staff and families of Jordan Catholic School will be discussing the Corporal Works of Mercy as our way of putting Faith into Action. During the month of September, we Fed the Hungry and Gave Drink to the Thirsty by having a canned food, non-perishable food item and drinks collection. Through the generosity of our students, staff, and families, we collected 803 items for the St. Vincent De Paul Food Pantry sponsored by St. Pius X Parish.
01 Oct 2014

Bettendorf resident Jordan Spay named to dean's list at Olivet

By Rick Martin

Jordan Spay of Bettendorf was named to the dean's list at Olivet Nazarene University for the spring 2014 semester. To qualify for inclusion on the dean's list, a student must have been enrolled as a full-time undergraduate student and must have attained a semester grade point average of 3.50 or higher on a 4.00 grading scale.

Olivet Nazarene University is an accredited Christian, liberal arts university offering more than 100 areas of undergraduate and graduate study, including the Doctor of Education in ethical leadership. Olivet has one main campus in Bourbonnais, Ill. ? just 50 miles south of Chicago; three sites: Rolling Meadows and Oak Brook, Ill., and Hong Kong; and more than 100 School of Graduate and Continuing Studies learning locations throughout Chicagoland and the Midwest. From Oxford to Tokyo, hundreds of Olivet students also experience the global classroom each year, whether through study abroad opportunities or worldwide mission trips.

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30 Sep 2014

QCESC Trivia Night Saturday for STEM scholarships and outreach

By Jared Johnson
Quad City Engineering and Science Council to host Trivia Night benefiting STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering and Math) Scholarships and Student Outreach
PRE-REGISTER at www.qcesc.org
Please join us Saturday, October 4, 2014 for a Trivia Night hosted by the Quad City Engineering and Science Council (QCESC). All proceeds will go to the QCESC to support scholarships and student outreach in the areas of Science, Technology, Engineering and Math (STEM).
The event will be held at the Putnam Museum located at 1717 W. 12th Street, Davenport, Iowa. Doors open at 6:30 P.M. and Trivia starts at 7:00 P.M.
Please pre-register online at www.qcesc.org or by contacting Chris at chris@ccx.net or 563-505-6703.
Teams consist of 8 with $10 per person (ages 12 and up, Table Minimum $50). Everyone will be entered into a drawing for door prizes. Mulligans will be sold 10 for $10?you may use more than 1 per round. Doublers will be sold 1 for $10?to double the score of any round you choose.
Each team may bring in their own snacks but there will also be a cash bar and snacks will be available for purchase. No outside drinks allowed.  Trivia will consist of 10 rounds of 10 general knowledge questions. You DON'T have to be a genius to play and have fun! 1st Place team will receive double their money back and 2nd Place team will receive their money back.
Pre-register and Questions? Contact Chris at 563-505-6703 or chris@ccx.net Don't have enough for a table? Come anyway and we will assign you to a table!
29 Sep 2014

Upper Iowa University announces Summer 2014 Dean's List and Graduates

By Monica Bayer Heaton

Upper Iowa University announces Summer 2014 Dean's List

FAYETTE, IA (09/29/2014)(readMedia)-- Upper Iowa University announces the Dean's List for the Summer term 2014. To be honored, a student must have earned a minimum 3.50 grade point average for the semester and be enrolled as a full-time student.

Sarah Brennan from Bettendorf, IA, majoring in Psychology at the UIU Quad Cities Center.

Jessica Buntemeyer from Davenport, IA, majoring in Psychology at the UIU Quad Cities Center.

Adam Chitwood from Davenport, IA, majoring in Accounting at the UIU Quad Cities Center.

Shawn Cotton from LeClaire, IA, majoring in Criminal Justice at the UIU Quad Cities Center.

Jennifer McKinley from Rock Island, IL, majoring in Psychology at the UIU Quad Cities Center.

Marissa Reese from Bettendorf, IA, majoring in Human Services at the UIU Quad Cities Center.

Travis Zurcher from Moline, IL, majoring in Financial Management at the UIU Quad Cities Center.

Upper Iowa University announces July 2014 graduates

Barry Gowdy of Davenport, IA, graduated with a Master of Business Admin in Organizational Devel Emphasis .

Gene Lucas of Bettendorf, IA, graduated Cum Laude with a Bachelor of Science in Psychology .

Phillip Peters of Davenport, IA, graduated with a Master of Business Admin in Organizational Devel Emphasis .

Kelly Porumb of Moline, IL, graduated with a Bachelor of Science in Accounting .

Cassaundra Powell of Davenport, IA, graduated with a Bachelor of Science in Human Services .

William Stellmach of Davenport, IA, graduated Cum Laude with a Bachelor of Science in Accounting .

About Upper Iowa University Founded in 1857, Upper Iowa University is a private, not-for-profit university providing undergraduate and graduate degree programs and leadership development opportunities to about 5,800 students-nationally and internationally-at its Fayette campus and learning centers worldwide. Upper Iowa University is a recognized innovator in offering accredited, quality programs through flexible, multiple delivery systems, including online and self-paced degree program. For more information, visit www.uiu.edu.

26 Sep 2014

FREE Top Teacher Seminar: RSVP for the Workshop!

By G A H C

Saturday, Oct. 18th, 2014; 9:30-3:00

Certification from WIU

Presented by the Goethe Institute and

Hosted by the German American Heritage Center

The German American Heritage Center is proud to bring an outstanding professional development workshop to regional teachers. If you are a teacher in the field of social studies, history, sociology, environmental studies, pre-engineering, sports or German language then this workshop is for you.

A certificate for 6 hours of attendance credit is available from Western Illinois University for this event. Participation is free to all attending teachers. The presenter and materials are furnished to us by the Goethe Institute, which is funded as a cultural arm of the German government and we can assure you of their high quality. A similar workshop was held in 2012 with outstanding results.

The workshop will include information on how you may qualify for a free, all-expense study trip to Germany. A 2012 recipient of this award came from the North Scott School District, and it would be exciting to see another area educator take part in the next round!

Snacks and Lunch Provided

Questions?   Contact Janet Brown-Lowe, Executive Director (563) 322-8844 or admin@gahc.org

26 Sep 2014

Join us STEM Teachers/Educators Night Out Event

By Pat Barnes

This free event will include free pop/pizza provided by QCESC, a review of major STEM events calendar, an overview of host school's STEM program, and input from other schools attending the meeting. This is a great networking opportunity for sharing STEM successes and learning.

STEM Teachers/Educators Night Out Event
Oct. 1st - 6:00 - 8:10 PM at Western Illinois University,
3300 River Drive, Moline, Illinois

To attend this free event, the only requirement is that you need to pre-register which only takes a minute using the On-line Google Form. This helps insure we have adequate food and space.

Details and Full Agenda can be found at:
http://www.qcesc.org/qcesc_teachers.html#STEM_Teachers_Night_Out

Please forward to other STEM Educators who would be interested in attending!

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Also, consider supporting the QCESC STEM Trivia Night - Oct 4, 2014
The non-profit Quad City Engineering and Science Council (QCESC) invites you to participate in the 2nd Annual QCESC STEM Trivia Night,
Saturday, October 4, 2014 at the Putnam Museum.

All proceeds will go to the QCESC to support scholarships and student outreach in the areas of Science, Technology, Engineering and Math (STEM)

Trivia will consist of 10 rounds of 10 general knowledge questions. 
You DON'T have to be a genius to play and have fun!

PRE-REGISTER a Team Today! | View Details and Flyer Here

If you have questions regarding the event or with pre-registering contact Chris at 563-505-6703 or e-mail Chris@ccx.net

.

26 Sep 2014

Braley Continues Push for School Bus Safety, Urges House Leadership to Hold Hearings

By Kirsten Hartman

Congressman: This problem deserves additional attention

Washington, D.C. - Rep. Bruce Braley (IA-01) today wrote the House Transportation and Infrastructure's Chairman Bill Shuster and Ranking Member Nick Rahall to urge the Committee to hold hearings on school bus safety before the session ends this year.

"Simply put, there are too many accidents killing children in and around school buses every year," Braley said. "There are things we can do to make our children safer, and I urge the Committee to take up this important matter before one more child is involved in a preventable accident."

An average of 6 children are killed in school bus related accidents each year while an average of 12 children are killed each year in pedestrian deaths outside of the school bus.

"According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), an average of 19 school-age children die each year due to school transportation accidents. Given these statistics, it's evident that more attention should be given to addressing school bus safety," Braley's letter reads.

Earlier this year, Braley introduced the most comprehensive overhaul of school bus safety in 15 years. Braley's School Bus Safety Act is a five-pronged approach that would protect students both in and around school buses.

·         Title I: "Kadyn's Act"?named after Northwood student Kadyn Halverson, requires states to enact tough penalties for drivers who pass stopped schools buses. Kadyn's parents helped enact this portion of the law in Iowa, but in many other states, this activity, which puts children's lives in danger, is punishable by fines as low as 30 dollars.

·         Title II creates grants for Motion Activated Detection Systems on the exterior of buses?these systems alert a driver when a moving target is detected within the danger zones near the front, rear and sides of the bus.

·         Title III requires background checks on school bus drivers. In 2012, Iowa enacted such a law, but some states are still operating without this requirement.

·         Title IV is a School Bus Seat Belt Demonstration Program. The Department of Transportation would create a Demonstration Program which would allow states to apply for funding to purchase new school buses with seat belts or to equip current ones with seat belts. The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration has estimated that deaths from frontal crashes could be significantly reduced with mandatory seatbelt use.

·         The last portion of the legislation would direct the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration to assess using technology to get drivers to stop for school buses. For example, studying how a particular lighting system might help prevent motorists from illegally passing stopped buses. This could also help with the situation that led to Kadyn Halverson's tragedy - utilizing technology that can get people to slow down and stop, in addition to increased penalties.

Braley's letter can be found online HERE.

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25 Sep 2014

Lt. Gov. Kim Reynolds announces Statewide STEM Female Mentoring Effort

By Office of the Governor of the State of Iowa

Iowa viewed as national model for other states to follow

(DES MOINES) - Today, Lt. Gov. Kim Reynolds was joined by STEMconnector CEO Edie Fraser, Drake University Athletic Director Sandy Hatfield-Clubb, Iowa Association of Business and Industry President Mike Ralston, and Jana Rieker, Bankers Trust Vice President of Sales and Marketing, at a news conference in the Iowa Statehouse Rotunda.

Reynolds announced a national public-private model on ways to engage thousands of mentors for young girls and women to actively pursue STEM (science, technology, engineering and math) education and careers.

The first statewide model of its kind, Million Women Mentors (MWM)-Iowa, targets 5,000 female and male mentors from all 99 counties in the next four years.

"Launching MWM-Iowa is another component of our statewide-strategy to attract individuals to STEM careers. In particular, I believe mentors can guide, encourage, and open doors for girls and young women to be fully equipped for the great jobs of tomorrow in STEM-related careers."

In the United States, STEM is a driving force behind economic growth, stability and educational success.  That's why, we're creating an environment in Iowa that prepares all of our students with the necessary skills to compete in a global knowledge-based economy," stated Reynolds.

Additional announcements made by Lt. Governor Reynolds at the news conference included: naming Ralston and Rieker as MWM-Iowa co-chairs.  She also recognized 12 other individuals as members of the MWM-Iowa Executive Council. 

Rieker emphasized the quality opportunities that await Iowa girls and young women in STEM fields.  "In the past 10 years, growth in STEM jobs has been three times greater than non-STEM jobs.  Also, women with STEM jobs earn 33 percent more than females in non-STEM jobs.

"We know 80 percent of the fastest growing occupations in the United States depend upon mastery of mathematics and scientific knowledge and skills.  Being able to secure 5,000 female and male mentors in Iowa to urge young girls and women to consider STEM fields is a huge step forward in increasing awareness and generating excitement," said Rieker

Co-Chair Mike Ralston agreed. "It's a tribute to Iowa on how many major companies stepped up to pledge mentors in the past 30 days.  We have 13 companies that pledged more than 1,200 mentors together, so we're already well on our way toward our goal of 5,000."

The following companies have made a pledge to MWM-Iowa:  Leading the charge is Hy-Vee with a commitment of 500 employees, as well as commitments from Bankers Trust; EMC; Iowa Association of Business and Industry; Meredith Corporation; Principal Corporation; Pella Corporation; Vermeer Manufacturing; and a tremendous commitment from Iowa's colleges and universities including, Des Moines Area Community College, Drake University, Iowa State University, University of Iowa and University of Northern Iowa," concluded Ralston.

STEMconnector CEO Edie Fraser, who spearheads the national MWM effort in collaboration with more than 22 sponsors and 56 partners, pointed out that Iowa has been at the forefront of increasing awareness and accessibility of STEM.

"We were extremely pleased to receive Iowa's pledge of 5,000 mentors for the MWM national initiative. The MWM-Iowa model will be a great example for other states to emulate in attracting male and female STEM mentors," said Fraser.

In addition to announcing the MWM-Iowa effort, MWM-Iowa Co-Chairs and Executive Council members, the inaugural "Coaches' Mentoring Challenge" for women was unveiled.  The Challenge is designed for basketball coaches across Iowa to collaborate in recruiting mentors for females interested in STEM.  Coaches will reach out to their university, college, or high school campus networks, including their fan base and media in their local communities.

Hatfield-Clubb enthusiastically shared that Iowa State University, University of Iowa, and University of Northern Iowa will be joining Drake University in the Coaches' Mentoring Challenge for women.  In addition, Drake University has pledged 100 mentors to the MWM-Iowa initiative over the next four years.

"Today, I am pleased to share that the first-ever Coaches' Mentoring Challenge for women in Iowa is being launched to recruit mentors for girls and women interested in STEM.  Drake University Women's Basketball Coach Jennie Baranczyk has been named as the official spokesperson of the Coaches' Mentoring Challenge" said Hatfield-Clubb.

She went on to say, "Coach Baranczyk will make a personal invitation to all university, college, and high school coaches across the state to join her and her colleagues in this important state-wide initiative."

The effort officially "tips off" with the start of the NCAA Division I women's basketball season in November.

For more information about the MWM-Iowa effort, MWM-Iowa Executive Council members, MWM-Iowa company and/or organization mentor pledges or the inaugural female Coaches Challenge, please visit www.mwmia.org.

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About Million Women Mentors (MWM)-Iowa. Million Women Mentors (MWM-IA) brings together leaders in business, government, and education to engage girls and young women to understand, develop interest and gain confidence so they can pursue and succeed in STEM courses, degrees, and careers.  Created as part of the national Million Women Mentors movement in 2014, the MWM-Iowa initiative seeks to register 5,000 women (and men) in all 99 counties by 2018 to serve as mentors to achieve these three goals:  Increase the percentage of high school girls planning to pursue STEM careers; increase the percentage of young women pursuing undergraduate degrees in STEM fields; and increase the percentage of women staying in STEM careers.

About Million Women Mentors (National). MWM is an engagement campaign and national call to action that mobilizes corporations, government entities, non-profit and higher education groups, around the imperative of mentoring girls and young women in STEM fields. Since MWM's launch in January 2014, nearly 171,400 pledges have been made to mentor girls and young women in STEM skills.  The web portal is www.millionwomenmentors.org.  Available online is a nationwide call to action to capture pledge commitments from individuals, organizations and companies that have an interest in mentoring.

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