DES MOINES – Lt. Gov. Kim Reynolds today announced a series of town hall meetings across Iowa about the importance of giving students a great education in science, technology, engineering and math. Reynolds is co-chair of the Governor’s Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (STEM) Advisory Council along with Mary Andringa, Vermeer Corp. CEO. The Council’s overarching goal is raising student interest and achievement in STEM and building a stronger STEM workforce pipeline.
The tour this spring will update Iowans on the progress being made by the Council, showcase student STEM presentations and seek feedback from community members about how the Council should set STEM priorities moving forward. Governor Branstad, Mary Andringa and local business leaders will join Reynolds at select town halls.
“Having the opportunity to engage with the students, parents, educators and workforce who are directly impacted by the Council’s work is extremely rewarding and eye-opening,” explained Reynolds. “These stops around the state will give us a look at the successes and the opportunities for further growth in the future.”
“We want to hear feedback on the progress the Governor’s STEM Council has made over the past two years, and the priorities we should set as we look ahead,” said Andringa. “The STEM town halls are a way to engage communities in conversation about the value of STEM education and STEM economic development.”
The public is welcome at the following STEM town hall events:
Thursday, March 6, 2014
2 p.m. Lt. Gov. Reynolds holds Southeast Region STEM Town Hall
Mount Pleasant Middle School
400 North Adams Street
Mt. Pleasant, IA
Wednesday, March 12, 2014
10 a.m. Gov. Branstad and Lt. Gov. Reynolds hold North Central Region STEM Town Hall
Fisher Elementary School Media Center
2001 South 4th Street
Marshalltown, IA
Friday, March 14, 2014
2 p.m. Lt. Gov. Reynolds holds Northwest Region STEM Town Hall
Spencer School District Offices, Conference Room B
23 East 7th Street
Spencer, IA
Monday, May 5, 2014
1:30 p.m. Lt. Gov. Reynolds and STEM Co-Chair Mary Andringa holds South Central Region STEM Town Hall
Central College, Graham Conference Center
812 University Street
Pella, IA
Tuesday, May 6, 2014
1:30 p.m. Lt. Gov. Reynolds and Gov. Branstad hold Southwest STEM Town Hall
Corning High School Auditorium
904 8th Street
Corning, IA
Thursday, May 8, 2014
2 p.m. Lt. Gov. Reynolds hold Northeast STEM Town Hall
Gladbrook-Reinbeck High School Auditorium
600 Blackhawk Street
Reinbeck, IA
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About the Iowa Governor’s STEM Advisory Council
Established in July 2011 by executive order, the Iowa Governor’s STEM Advisory Council is a public-private partnership focused on increasing student interest and achievement in science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM) and promoting STEM economic development. The Council works to engage and prepare students for a career-ready path, regain our state’s historic leadership position in education, and provide a vital competitive economic advantage. The 45-member Council is chaired by Lt. Gov. Kim Reynolds and Vermeer Corp. CEO Mary Andringa. For more information, visit www.IowaSTEM.gov.
