On September 14, 2020, the NW STEM Advisory Board held their monthly board meeting at Interstates in Sioux Center. Interstates is a construction company with offices throughout the US and in Germany, with the Sioux Center office the original site. Interstates partners with companies to understand what they need using an innovative approach (collecting data to develop more efficient products). Three main goals are identified:

Training Facility, Allan Hill, shared with us that Interstates also offers an electrical apprenticeship program to provide training to workers onsite. Workers are moved up the pay scale after successful completion of training modules. Individuals must be 18 years old to enroll. Interstates works in collaboration with NCC. Currently online training is occurring which is beneficial in that travel time/hotel stays are no longer required. The down side is not being able to meet others. Interstates has an extensive apprenticeship program, training individuals on site. It also participated in the STEM Externship program this summer by hosting 2 local educators.

InterFab, David Vander Tuin, shared with us that InterFab is involved in metal fabrication of rigid conduit in Sioux Center. Structures are built on site and shipped to companies. 99% begin as 3D models. Custom fabricators need to be curious, have real world math and program solving skills, and grit. Each day brings something different, a new challenge to address.  99% of employees are based in the Sioux Center office so have very little travel time. Field electricians are involved in setup throughout the country.  Interstates workforce is reflective of the industry standard with 85% male, though they intentionally hire the vast majority of females that apply. 

Austin Sudtelgte shared with us that Interstates uses VR and AR is product design and development. Clients are able to "walk through" designs virtually to approve and identify problems early in creation. Future capabilities include use for industry training and implementation of a live model which will allow changes to appear instantly. Benefits include improvements in customer support by offering remote assistance.

Special thank you to all Andrew Roelfs, NW STEM Advisory Board Member and all at Interstates for a fabulous and safe tour! 

242 educators in NW Iowa took part in the 2020 STEM Scale-Up professional development trainings this summer as a part of their STEM Scale-Up award.  As trainings are winding down, some of the program materials and kits are being sent out to the educators.

Sandy Groom-Meeks, MOC-Floyd Valley received her STEM in Action Kits and had this to share,

Many of our NW Educators are patiently waiting the arrival of their materials, never fear, soon all materials will be delivered.  We appreciate your patience with us. 

 

Do you know a STEM teacher that goes above and beyond? Someone whose passion for science, technology, engineering or math has inspired students in the classroom and potentially to pursue future careers in STEM? It's time to recognize their hard work. Nominations are now open for the 2021 Iowa STEM Teacher Award sponsored by Kemin Industries. This award celebrates teachers whose leadership and dedication increases student interest in STEM.

One teacher from each of the six STEM regions will receive a $1,500 award for their classroom, along with an additional $1,500 for personal use. Deadline for nominations is Friday, October 9. Recipients will be announced January 2021. Nominate a STEM teacher today at https://iowastem.gov/teacheraward-application.