On this episode of STEM Essential, Jeff Weld speaks with Cindy Dietz, associate director of state government relations at Raytheon Technologies. She is a founding member of the Governor’s STEM Advisory Council, which she directed as the interim executive director in 2018.

2:08 Dietz discusses how community relations and charitable giving helped create the beginnings of a STEM education movement in Iowa. She highlights the connection between STEM education and business.

5:40 Dietz examines the conditions in 2011 that primed the state to create the STEM Council. These include the need for a strong workforce, existing economic conditions and Iowa’s strong engagement with schools, businesses and state agencies perfect for collaboration.

10:40 Dietz discusses how legislative support was gained to help Iowa launch one of the first statewide STEM education programs.

12:27 Weld and Dietz assess the landscape and history that have set Iowa up to have local corporations invested in growing talent in the state.

13:48 Dietz highlights how Iowa’s work ethic has made the state and its workers desirable.