STEM council seeks request for proposals

The Governor's Science, Technology, Engineering and Math (STEM) Advisory Council today announced the release of a request for proposal (RFP) with the intent of creating six regional STEM networks to promote science, technology, engineering and math education and economic development in communities across the state.

“This is an important step forward in the process of providing first-rate STEM opportunities to students all over the state,” said Lt. Gov. Kim Reynolds, who co-leads the STEM Advisory Council with University of Northern Iowa President Ben Allen. “These six regional hubs will be at the center of elevating STEM education and creating a stronger STEM workforce statewide.”

The six regional networks, overseen by local managers, will develop an interwoven STEM community within and across regions, Reynolds said. The regional networks will include representatives of education, business and industry and local governments and will focus on their region's STEM challenges and opportunities, and how to best meet them. The networks are designed to complement and work closely with Area Education Agencies, (AEAs), extension and outreach, community colleges, public and private universities, informal science centers, nonprofits, youth agencies, regional companies and others to grow a comprehensive STEM network for the region, she noted.

“Iowa possesses some outstanding STEM programs in schools, after-school clubs, summer camps and communities but their reach is limited,” said Jeff Weld, executive director, Governor's STEM Advisory Council. “The council is determined that the best STEM programming should be available to families everywhere in a way that best fits local needs, interests and resources.”

The RFP bid documents can be found at www.iowamathscience.org/HUB and must be submitted by the end of business day on April 6, according to the governor's office.

A committee appointed by the council will then review all submissions and provide recommendations for the locations of the six hubs to the STEM Advisory Council's executive committee, which will select the locations.

For more information about the Iowa regional STEM network hub RFP or the Governor's STEM Advisory Council, contact Jeff Weld, executive director, at imsep@uni.edu.