Lt. Gov. Kim Reynolds and University of Northern Iowa President Ben Allen yesterday led the inaugural meeting of the Governor’s Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (STEM) Advisory Council’s Executive Committee.

The 13-member committee was appointed by Gov. Terry Branstad earlier this month to build on programs designed to increase student interest in STEM-related careers. The group yesterday set priorities of public awareness for STEM fields, making sure teachers are prepared to deliver relevant STEM lessons and using technology to meet the group’s goals.

The first meeting between the 40-member STEM Advisory Council will be Oct. 31. Click here for a full list of council members.