Lieutenant Governor pitches STEM program in recent SWCC visit
STEM. It seems like such an ordinary word; however, it’s a word that is changing the education of Iowa children.
The acronym stands for science, technology, engineering and mathematics. It’s an initiative started in 2011 by Gov. Terry Branstad and Lt. Gov. Kim Reynolds that offers opportunities to help students learn in fun and exciting ways.
STEM was created as a way to innovate education in a way that encouraged students to learn in math and sciences. There are STEM hubs across the state that assist schools in activities and partnerships with businesses to increase interest and productivity in the classroom.
The initiative also offers several events throughout the year to pique student interest including 4-H, summer camps, Physics Olympics and science museums.
Reynolds visited Southwestern Community College in Red Oak Thursday as part of her statewide “Stories of Women’s Lives Tour.” Her discussion included STEM stories and an open dialogue to educators about progress in their classrooms.
Educators shared stories of their students learning to use a 3-D printer, building robots and even producing ethanol in the classroom.
Iowa’s STEM program has been noticed nationally and internationally. Representatives from other states, Japan and China have visited to learn more about how they can bring the program to their educational systems.
Reynolds wants to get young girls involved since the science, technology, engineering and math fields are majority male populated.
To help in her effort, an event at St. Ambrose University called “Introduce a Girl to Engineering” was held Feb. 24 to introduce girls ages 4-12 to STEM. More than 300 girls attended, while 200 more remained on the waiting list.
The governor and Reynolds also attended a “town hall” to speak about the program. Reynolds said she remembered it clearly because two second grade girls told her they wanted to be a scientist and an entrepreneur.
Reynolds also spoke about the beginning of the initiative and that they “wanted to make sure that no matter where a child lived, they had opportunities” to use the programs.
“Our goal at the very beginning was the increase student interest and achievement in STEM and to make sure that no matter where a child lived in the state of Iowa, they had access to these high quality programs,” Reynolds said.
After hearing educator testimonials and visiting classrooms, Reynolds said she believes the STEM program is making a major difference in the education of students across the state, noting that she now sees students with passion and momentum in these subjects.
“I say all the time that STEM changes lives and I have the opportunity to see it in schools all across the state,” Reynolds said. “I think it helps kids build confidence and find out they can do it, they like it and so they’re not so fearful in trying new things.”
The hope for the program is to assist in the career choice for students. The program is designed to help develop skills in students that will help them in either a career or post-secondary education. STEM is currently working with several corporations such as MidAmerican Energy, Google and Microsoft to build these opportunities for young students.
“[The hope for the program] is to make sure that every child, when they leave high school, is prepared and ready for a great job to provide them a great quality of life,” Reynolds said. “Most importantly, if we keep growing the economy, then we’ll have good jobs for them right here in the state of Iowa.”