Iowa Code Title VII. Education and Cultural Affairs [Chs. 256-305B] § 268.7. Innovation division--science, technology, engineering, and mathematics collaborative initiative

a. Direct and organize the activities of the division, including the science, technology, engineering, and mathematics collaborative initiative created in subsection 3.

b. Control all property of the division.

c. Perform other duties imposed by law.

a. Regional science, technology, engineering, and mathematics networks for Iowa, the purpose of which is to equalize science, technology, engineering, and mathematics education enrichment opportunities available to learners statewide. The innovation division shall establish six geographically similar regional science, technology, engineering, and mathematics networks across Iowa that complement and leverage existing resources, including extension service assets, area education agencies, state accredited postsecondary institutions, informal educational centers, school districts, economic development zones, and existing public and private science, technology, engineering, and mathematics partnerships. Each network shall be managed by a highly qualified science, technology, engineering, and mathematics advocate positioned at a network hub to be determined through a competitive application process. Oversight for each regional network shall be provided by a regional advisory board. Members of the board shall be appointed by the governor. The membership shall represent prekindergarten through grade twelve school districts and schools, and higher education, business, nonprofit organizations, youth agencies, and other appropriate stakeholders.

b. A focused array of the best science, technology, engineering, and mathematics enrichment opportunities, selected through a competitive application process, that can be expanded to meet future needs. A limited, focused list of selected exemplary programs shall be made available to each regional network.

c. Statewide science, technology, engineering, and mathematics programming designed to increase participation of students and teachers in successful learning experiences; to increase the number of science, technology, engineering, and mathematics-related teaching majors offered by the state's universities; to elevate public awareness of the opportunities; and to increase collaboration and partnerships.