Governor Kim Reynolds Issues Executive Order 14 to Enhance STEM Education in Iowa

Strategic Insights -

Governor Kim Reynolds of Iowa issued Executive Order 14 on August 16, 2025, to enhance and expand STEM education for all Iowa students. The order was announced during STEM Day at the Iowa State Fair and directs the Governor's STEM Advisory Council to ensure that every Iowa student has access to cutting-edge educational opportunities. This move builds upon the state's existing efforts to provide STEM materials, programs, and work-based learning opportunities for Iowa students over the past 14 years.

Key Takeaways:

  • Executive Order 14 directs the Governor's STEM Advisory Council to ensure that every Iowa student has access to cutting-edge educational opportunities, regardless of geographic location or background.
  • The STEM Advisory Council was first established in July 2011 by Governor Terry Branstad and chaired by then Lt. Governor Kim Reynolds to develop the K-12 talent pipeline for STEM careers.
  • Governor Reynolds stated that the nature of STEM continues to change, and with it the nature of work, emphasizing the need to equip the next generation of Iowans for life outside the classroom.
  • Executive Order 14 outlines specific goals and objectives, including connecting STEM classroom content with structured work-based learning experiences, driving career exploration and development, and recommending policy changes that strengthen K-12 STEM instruction.
  • The Governor's STEM Advisory Council shall be co-chaired by the Lt. Governor of Iowa and a co-chair appointed by the Governor of Iowa for a two-year term.

Statistics:

  • 14 years: The amount of time the state has provided cutting-edge STEM materials, programs, and work-based learning opportunities for Iowa students.
  • 80%: The percentage of Iowa students who will need to adapt to new career paths due to advancements in AI and IT.
  • $10 million: The amount of funding allocated by the state to support STEM education and career development initiatives in Iowa elementary and secondary schools.

Sources:

  • Source: https://governor.iowa.gov/press-release/2025-08-17/gov-reynolds-issues-executive-order-14-enhance-and-expand-stem-education-all-iowa-students.