Des Moines Register
08-02-07
New grant to boost kids' math, science
The governor says progress in those areas is key to building Iowa's work force.
By JASON CLAYWORTH
REGISTER STAFF WRITER
Marion, Ia. - Gov. Chet Culver announced a new grant Wednesday that will help
the state launch stronger math and science programs for children, saying that
such advancements are crucial for the state's economy.
"This is a new global environment. It's more competitive than any time, perhaps,
in our nation's history," Culver told a crowd of about 75 people at the Iowa State
University Extension office in Marion.
One challenge "that is staring us in the face in Iowa is the fact that we will be
150,000 workers short in the next five to 10 years if we don't do something about
it," he said.
The one-year grant comes from the Iowa Department of Education, and it will go
to the Science, Technology, Engineering and Math program, known as STEM.
The grant will help develop a model for improving student learning that can be
used statewide. The model will include after-school and summer programs.
Culver said major Iowa developments, such as the recently announced Google
server farm in Council Bluffs that will hire 200 people, are creating more demand
for highly trained employees in the sciences. He said early results of the program
will be used to develop legislation next year.
"I really think we have a window here," Culver said. "The next three to five years
is critically important in terms of this work force challenge. We need to get
moving immediately."
The summer program began in the Cedar Rapids area this year as a
collaboration among the Grant Wood Areas Education Agency, schools in
Johnson, Linn and Iowa counties, local businesses, ISU and the University of
Iowa.
About 200 children are participating in STEM programs and activities. The intent
is to encourage students to use math and science creatively, which organizers
say helps spark a lifetime interest. Some of the activities displayed Wednesday
included building rockets and constructing small vehicles out of interlocking
blocks.
Wednesday's announcement means the program will expand and continue
through the school year.
Rockwell Collins, a Cedar Rapids-based communication and aviation electronics
manufacturer, is one of the partners in the STEM program. Clay Jones, the
company's CEO, told the crowd that his company has hired roughly 900
engineers already this year. He said he is concerned that the company may run
into a shortage of skilled workers and said the initiatives discussed Wednesday
by Culver are critical.
"If you're in a position like me, you kind of live a little paranoid ... one of those
clouds on the horizon is the source of intellectual capital," Jones said.
Reporter Jason Clayworth can be reached at (515) 699-7058 or
jclayworth@dmreg.com