November 2017 SW STEM Newsletter
Mega Board meeting brings 6 STEM Regions together for networking

 

Thanks to Accumold for hosting members of the six Regional STEM Board on November 17th at their facility in Ankeny. In the absence of CEO and STEM Co-Chair Roger Hargens, VP of Human Capital Grace Swanson welcomed guests. A successful networking and sharing session engaged approximately 40 guests from around Iowa.  The Boards will be rolling out the goals of the STEM State Council during the coming year. Pictured above is new SW Regional Board member Larry Johnson of the IowaWORKS Center in Creston.
New STEM Database will house Scale Up applications starting in 2018
The STEM Network Team is completing details on an automated Scale-Up application system that will allow coordinated efforts amongst all state-wide users of the program.
Details will roll out in Decemeber, so watch for the information which will update the process allowing group applications, reminder notices for incomplete work, and assistance in getting those much needed administrator approvals for formal and information users.
The Scale-Up application window officially opens on January 22, 2018
Celebrating Apprenticeship and concerns about the increasing skills gap issues...
 
During Apprenticeship week November 13 - 17, locations around the state held sessions and seminars to discuss opportunities for students and adults alike to explore or entire the world of apprenticeship.  Thanks to the IowaWORKS Center in Creston and in Carroll for their meetings. A good crowd of educators and business representatives gathered to explore opportunities an answer many questions about how apprenticeship programs work. Pictured above are representatives from Gilbert Home Comfort in Leon as they presented.
Questions regarding apprenticeship in the SW STEM region may be directed to Michelle Wilson Iowa Works in Creston (michelle.wilson@iwd.iowa.gov)
 
General questions about apprenticeships and how a potential worker prepares?  Check out the Future Ready Iowa website at ALL ABOUT WORK
REMINDER: Scale-Up materials checked out from the SW Hub during the fall months need to be returned by December vacations. Contact SW STEM Regional Manager Deb Frazee with concerns or questions ( frazee@swcciowa.edu)