There is always a lot of activity in the SW STEM Region but this spring has been especially exciting because of the special events happening this year, some concluding and many just starting.
- March and April have begin the celebration of the 10th Anniversary of the Iowa Governor's STEM Program. Governor Branstad signed the Proclamation on July 26, 2011. Please note the new theme in the logo and the beginning of many activities to celebrate successes with the many STEM partners and especially the students of the last ten years.
- The 2021-2022 STEM Scale-Up Awardees were announced on April 9th. The campaign brought in over 140 applications, served out by 227 educators from formal and informal settings, who will serve over 17,000 youth in the region.
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The STEM BEST Application window is now open for K-12 Education and their partners who will create, implement and evaluate a model that fits local needs in showcasing what it will take to be a successful member of the workforce both today and in days to come. The deadline for submission of those applications is May 10th by end of business.
- Some comfort with springtime and the outdoors setting are opening up a few socially distanced STEM Festivals. The winter STEM Festival season was very successful in its modified fashion. Over 1250 youth were served around the SW STEM Region by a multitude of partners. A special STEM Festival was held during the month of April in partnership with the Gibson Memorial Library in Creston as they celebrated National Library Week and their 90th Birthday!
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The next activity on the agenda is to prepare the summer professional development for the new Scale-Up Awardees. While some dates and locations are known, there are a few new providers still getting details put into place. Professional Development will be a mix of virtual and face-to-face experiences.
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As the year winds down, the final meeting of the SW STEM Regional Advisory Board will be happening on May 24th, so an appropriate time to say thanks to all 15 members who share their time and energy. Co-chairs during this year have been Larry Johnson and Misty Gray. We say thank you to Jim Holwegner, Heidi Lowthorp, Kathy Somers, Janell Leinen, Luann Langel, Tom Lesan, Terry Torneten, Stephanie Lane, Josh Shatava, Dr Jane Chaillie, Nadine Jessen, Renee Riedel and Deb Sprecker. This group covers all the corners of the SW STEM Region so that voices are heard form many locations.
The Board member appointment process will commence in
June for replacement and reappointment of the membership.
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As school year comes to a conclusion the SW STEM Region wishes happy retirement to those who are completing service in the region. We also wish well to those who are transferring out o f the region to other positions. A special note to those transferring to another position within the SW STEM region, please share your new address and email so that we can continue to share news and events with you.
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Another date to put on your calendar with details to follow is Sunday August 22, 2021 which is the STEM Day at the State Fair. "Same STEM time, same STEM location" (a play on the great Batman Announcer of years gone by, so make sure to use the correct emphasis and inflection). All STEM Partners are looking forward to a day of exciting STEM challenges and demonstrations in the warmth of summer.
- Educators working on STEM programs who desire to do a visit to the STEM Hub to view the check-out library or have planning sessions, please contact the SW STEM Regional Manager Deb Frazee. We welcome opportunities to partner and create!
