Gov. Reynolds Announces the 2021 Future Ready Iowa Summit: Transforming Education for the Workforce
Statewide event will focus on expanding work-based learning and computer science
Cedar Falls, Iowa (July 26, 2021) – Gov. Kim Reynolds announces the 2021 statewide Future Ready Iowa Summit focused on “Transforming Education for the Workforce,” to be held on September 16, 2021, at the Iowa Events Center in Des Moines. Presented by the Iowa Governor’s STEM Advisory Council, the Summit will focus on connecting Iowa educators and employers to expand work-based learning and computer science as critical aspects of STEM education.
“Authentic, work-based learning is critical for preparing a skilled, qualified and innovative workforce that meets Iowa’s future needs,” said Gov. Reynolds, Iowa Governor’s STEM Advisory Council co-chair. “The Summit sets the stage for making those connections and inspiring networks to establish learning environments that connect classroom learning to real-world career opportunities.”
The Summit, to be keynoted at lunch by renowned STEM advocate Emily Calandrelli, host and co-executive producer of the hit Netflix series “Emily’s Wonder Lab”, will also include presentations by:
- Gov. Kim Reynolds and her STEM Council co-chair Diane Young, owner and director of technical services at Foundation Analytical Laboratory
- Leaders across Iowa business, K-12 education, higher education, economic development, workforce development, community nonprofits, and professional organizations
- Ninth-grader Langston Saint from West Middle School in Sioux City with a special challenge to attendees
For a full agenda of the Summit’s speakers, breakout sessions and events, view the agenda here.
The event, which runs from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m., is free and open to the public. Substitute teacher reimbursement and licensure renewal credit through AEA Online is available at no additional cost.
The Summit is made possible through generous support from private-sector partners: Alliant Energy, Collins Aerospace (keynote sponsor), Google, Iowa Association of Business and Industry, Iowa Association of Community College Trustees, Iowa Association of Independent Colleges and Universities, Iowa Biotech Association, Iowa Board of Regents, Iowa Economic Development, School Administrators of Iowa and the Science Center of Iowa.
A reception for Summit attendees will be hosted on Wednesday, September 15, from 5:30 p.m. to 7:30 p.m., at the Science Center of Iowa in Des Moines.
Registration is now open and additional information can be found at www.iowastem.org/2021STEMSummit.
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Media Contact: Lindy Ibeling, Communications Manager, Governor’s STEM Advisory Council
lindy.ibeling@uni.edu - 319-273-2716
About the Iowa Governor’s STEM Advisory Council: Established in July 2011 via Governor’s Executive Order, the Iowa Governor’s STEM Advisory Council is a public-private partnership of educators, companies and Iowa students and families addressing policies and programs designed to improve Iowa’s educational system focused on science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM). The STEM Council works to engage and prepare students for a career-ready workforce path, regain our state’s historic leadership position in education and provide a vital competitive economic advantage now, and for the future, to ensure that every Iowa student has access to world-class STEM education opportunities. The 62-member STEM Council is co-chaired by Governor Kim Reynolds and Foundation.
Analytical Laboratory Owner and Director of Technical Services Diane Young. For more information, visit https://iowastem.org.