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.
