Associated Press
08-03-07
Culver announces grant targeted at science, math skills
DES MOINES (AP) -- Gov. Chet Culver announced a $200,000 grant Monday to
develop students' science and math skills, which he said will be critical for the
jobs of the future.
The program is part of a plan to reshape the state's work force to meet the
demands of changing technology, he said.
"It will be critically important to the future economic success of the state to focus
on science, technology, engineering and math," Culver said in an interview with
The Associated Press.
The grant will be used to develop a pilot program in the Cedar Rapids-Iowa City
corridor to improve students' skills in those subjects, he said.
"By doing so, we can ensure that when today's students graduate from college
they have the knowledge and skills they need to fill the high-paying quality jobs
that will be waiting for them," Culver said.
A coalition of businesses, schools and government agencies have worked to
develop the Iowa City-Cedar Rapids corridor to reshape the state's work force
with the area being home to some of the fastest growing high-tech industries in
the state.
The $200,000 grant will be used to develop a model that will likely include
summer school and after-school components aimed at improving student skills in
math and science.
Culver said he plans to ask the next Legislature to expand the program
statewide.
He announced the grant for the pilot project after touring the Marion offices of the
Iowa State University county extension, where summer classes are being held
for children ages 7 to 12.
Janet Martin, a development specialist with the extension office, said the
summer classes are designed to expand traditional school offerings.
"If the summer program simply opens kids' attitudes about the importance of
solving problems and thinking outside the box to create solutions, then we've met
our goal," Martin said.
The state's economy has seen study growth for the past couple of years, with
unemployment being relatively low. That's led to an increased focus on the needs
of a new work force and making sure there are qualified workers to fill jobs that
are likely to be created.
"Our growing economy has created new challenges," Culver said. "We must start
now to meet this challenge head-on."
The money will be given to the Grant Wood Area Education Agency, which will
coordinate the development of the program.