Washington, D.C - Congressman Dave Loebsack today announced that his district offices are now accepting applications from Iowa college students to participate in an internship program in Iowa City and Davenport. The internship program is open to undergraduate students and recent graduates, regardless of major. Interested candidates should be prepared to begin immediately, though specific start and end dates and work schedule will be set for each individual.

"As a former educator, I have seen the benefits that internships can provide by giving students a firsthand look into the government process," said Loebsack. "I encourage all hardworking, motivated students and recent graduates to apply."

Interns will have the opportunity to learn how a Congressional office provides constituent services and interacts with members of the community. For additional information, interested candidates should contact David Leshtz, Loebsack's district representative at david.leshtz@mail.house.gov or 319-351-0789.

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Centers for Advanced Professional Studies will serve as models across the state

CEDAR FALLS, Iowa - The Iowa Governor's Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (STEM) Advisory Council took a major step in bringing innovative STEM education solutions to Iowa last month by naming five winners of a competition to build Iowa STEM Centers for Advanced Professional Studies (CAPS) programs.

The STEM Council committed this year to identifying the most successful models known to connect schools with community-based business and industry to drive an understanding of how STEM concepts learned in school apply to careers. After studying various STEM schools across the country, the CAPS model of the Blue Valley School District of Overland Park, Kan., was determined by STEM Council leaders to be the closest to what Iowa seeks. Rather than a central destination, the Iowa team favored a "satellite" version being implemented by a consortium of districts in the North Kansas City region.

Iowa STEM CAPS programs will unite businesses and education for the organic development of STEM programs matching their local industry strengths, challenges and resources. Students at Iowa STEM CAPS sites will learn at business and industry sites or at an industry site located on a school campus.

"The STEM CAPS satellite model will allow students to experience the industry or business environment firsthand," said Lt. Gov. Kim Reynolds, co-chair of the STEM Council. "That experience is vital to prepare students for STEM success in college or career training after high school, and it allows business and industry to introduce students to outstanding career opportunities."

The STEM Council Executive Committee voted unanimously in December to award and support five competitively-selected school partnerships, bringing to the table a total cost-share commitment of $773,509. The $150,000 STEM Council investment is divided up among these five applicants that includes funding for professional development:

• Bettendorf/Pleasant Valley;

• Cedar Rapids/College Community (or Iowa BIG);

• Kirkwood CC/University of Iowa/Clear Creak Amana/Iowa City/Regina/Solon/Tipton/West Branch/West Liberty;

• Northeast; and

• Rock Valley (or Rocket Manufacturing).

"These programs will unite local businesses and educators into a collaborative STEM environment, which is a key priority of the STEM Council," said Vermeer CEO Mary Andringa, co-chair of the STEM Council. "These partnerships represent a wonderful new paradigm for education that may ultimately shape the future of our state's economic development."

Each selected program submitted in-depth proposals, considering factors like education driven by business and industry need, rigorous, relevant and dynamic STEM curriculum and authentic partnerships. Their Iowa STEM CAPS models bring various strengths in community partnerships, district demographics and program focus.

During spring 2015, the STEM Council will hold professional development opportunities for potential and current districts and business and industry partners to learn more about Iowa STEM CAPS and strengthen statewide networks.

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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 47-member Council is chaired by Lt. Governor Kim Reynolds and Vermeer Corp. CEO Mary Andringa. For more information, visit www.IowaSTEM.gov.

AMES, IA (01/08/2015)(readMedia)-- A group of College of Agriculture and Life Sciences (CALS) students successfully completed the semester representing the college as a CALS Ambassador. CALS Ambassadors is a highly selective group of students tasked with assisting in the recruitment of new undergraduate students to the college.

Zach Farrell of Le Claire, IA (52753), majoring in Agricultural Studies, served as the representative to the leadership team of the Transfer Committee.

Corbin Uitermarkt of Davenport, IA (52806), majoring in Agricultural Studies, served as a member of the Transfer Committee.

Each CALS Ambassador is expected to serve on a committee within the organization, to devote a prescribed amount of hours volunteering throughout the semester, and maintain attendance and participation requirements. Over the course of fall 2014, the Ambassadors saw 745 prospective students on campus and logged 1,460 volunteer hours.

Governing the Ambassadors is a leadership team who is made up of committee chairs, a representative from each committee, and elected officers which includes a chairperson, vice-chair, and secretary. The CALS Ambassadors are advised by Beth Foreman, Student Services, College of Agriculture and Life Sciences.

DES MOINES, Iowa. (January 7, 2015) - Recognition for outstanding academic achievement has been given to the Grand View University students Sarah Schmertmann of Bettendorf and Hunter Williams of Davenport and for the 2014 fall semester.

The students are named to the Dean's List for earning a grade point average of 3.5 or better on a 4.0 scale while carrying at least 12 hours of classes.

Grand View University, with an enrollment of approximately 2,300 students, is an independent, liberal arts college affiliated with the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America.

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