Iowa Governor Branstad Signs STEM Education Legislation into Law (Model the Practice!)

Iowa Governor Branstad signs STEM education initiative

By signing House File 604 on Thursday, Gov. Terry E. Branstad approved the legislatures’ recommended $5.2 million in funding for year two of Iowa’s Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (STEM) education initiative guided by the Iowa governor’s STEM Advisory Council.

The funds will support the continuation and expansion of STEM programming designed to inspire Iowa’s youth to embrace STEM careers and applications in the real world; to draw talented Iowans into STEM teaching; and to enhance teaching strategies for current STEM teachers.

The state of Iowa’s investment is augmented by private investments from Iowa business and industry seeking a qualified workforce and a cadre of committed volunteers on the Governor’s STEM Advisory Council, Regional STEM Advisory Boards and statewide stakeholders committed to a STEM-literate citizenry for Iowa.

“This vote of confidence on the part of our legislature and Gov. Branstad reaffirms what those associated with the Governor’s STEM Advisory Council have come to believe more strongly than ever – that Iowa’s kids can lead the nation and the world in STEM, and that we have a very special solution to a global competitiveness challenge,” said Jeff Weld, executive director of the Council. “Citizens of Iowa can rest assured that when it comes to STEM, many of the best thinkers in the country are right here solving the problem.” Lt. Gov. Kim Reynolds, co-chair of the council, said Iowa’s employers need a “better trained, better prepared workforce.”

“We thank this year’s legislators for their continued support in Iowa’s STEM initiative and again endorsing STEM as a road map for Iowa’s economic future,” Reynolds said.

A signature program supported by the legislative appropriation is the scale-up of exemplary STEM programming across the state through schools, clubs and nonprofits. A listing of those programs as well as additional activities of the STEM Council can be accessed at iowastem.gov.