The Iowa Department of Agriculture and Land Stewardship, Iowa Department of Natural Resources (DNR) and Iowa State University have introduced updates to Iowa’s Nutrient Reduction Strategy (INRS), the state’s soil health and water quality framework. The goal of the INRS is to assess and reduce nutrients in surface water through conservation and land management practices. The updates reflect new research, practices, partnerships and funding that have emerged since the strategy
Workforce, Education & STEM
Iowa Agriculture Literacy Foundation awards schools 119 grants for ag education projects
The Iowa Agriculture Literacy Foundation (IALF) has awarded 119 grants to schools across Iowa to bolster the integration of agriculture into classroom instruction and after-school programs. The foundation’s Agriculture in the Classroom Teacher Supplement Grants are designed to help teachers initiate new projects and/or expand upon existing programs that promote agriculture literacy for students. Grants can be used to fund innovative lessons, activities, classroom resources, guest speakers, outreach programs, field

Stewart Carter to lead engineering at UNI
The University of Northern Iowa has announced that Stewart Carter will serve as the chief applied engineering administrator for the university’s newly established department of applied engineering. Before joining UNI, Carter worked for John Deere for more than 30 years in engineering and manager roles. He holds a bachelor’s degree in mechanical engineering from Southern University A&M and graduated from UNI’s MBA program. “The field of engineering has continued to grow
Pi515 joins Google Code Next Affiliate program
Des Moines nonprofit Pi515 has announced its participation in the Google Code Next Affiliate program, a free computer science education program designed to develop Black, Latinx and Indigenous technology leaders. With funding and resources provided by Google Code Next, Pi515 will integrate the program’s advanced technologies, AI platforms and mentorship opportunities into its initiatives, including its Career Accelerator program, Girls Entrepreneurship Incubator and Day of Innovation. “At Pi515, we empower underserved youth by
Aureon opens 2025 scholarship applications for college, high school students
Aureon, a Des Moines-based technology solution provider, has opened 2025 applications for its scholarship programs. The Aureon STEM Scholarship Program focuses on supporting students from rural communities served by Iowa Telecommunications Company (ITC) owners who plan to study a STEM-based curriculum. This year Aureon will award $10,000 in scholarships to six applicants. Aureon’s Scholarship for Technology Students awards $5,000 in scholarships to high school juniors and seniors from metro areas
Jacobson Institute named Iowa affiliate of Invention Convention Worldwide
The University of Iowa Jacobson Institute, the youth outreach arm of the Iowa John Pappajohn Entrepreneurial Center, has been named the official Iowa state affiliate for Invention Convention Worldwide (ICW), a competition from the Henry Ford Museum of American Innovation. ICW teaches problem-solving and creativity skills to apply to invention and entrepreneurship. As the Iowa affiliate, the Jacobson Institute will partner with school districts, as well as individual educators, to organize statewide participation
Applications open for computer science professional development grants
Grants through the state’s Computer Science Professional Development Incentive Fund are now available. Iowa school districts, accredited nonpublic schools, Area Education Agencies and other collaborative organizations are eligible to apply, a news release said. Grants can be used to provide tuition reimbursement for Iowa teachers seeking endorsements or authorizations for computer science and provide proven professional development activities for Iowa teachers in computer science education. The grant program was signed into state
STEM Council receives $100,000 grant from Google
The Governor’s STEM Advisory Council at the Iowa Department of Education has received a $100,000 grant from Google to support STEM programming across Iowa. The grant, which will support Iowa’s STEM programs, was presented during the annual STEM Day at this year’s Iowa State Fair. “Google’s investment in Iowa’s STEM programs is an investment in our future, showing kids how fun the world of STEM can be,” Justin Lewis, bureau chief
ISU participates in program to increase rural veterinary services
Iowa State University is participating in an initiative to increase the number of veterinarians working in rural areas, according to a news release. Nine schools, including ISU, are taking part in the Veterinary Workforce Solutions Program from Farm Journal Foundation, backed by support from the Zoetis Foundation. The pilot program assists students with such issues as engaging with rural communities and financial planning. “Providing animal health care solutions to rural
Jewels Academy hosting fourth annual fundraiser tonight
Jewels Academy, a Des Moines-based nonprofit providing STEM and self-enrichment programs for underrepresented girls, is hosting its fourth annual fundraiser today, Sept. 19, at the Greater Des Moines Botanical Gardens at 6 p.m. To RSVP, click here. This year’s keynote speaker is Dr. Sue Mattison, provost at Drake University. Mattison provides leadership for Drake’s seven academic colleges, its two libraries and various other university offices. Jewels Academy serves students from elementary