Iowa's commitment to STEM is evident every day throughout the region and state in efforts undertaken by a diverse group of educators, industry leaders, parents, policy leaders, and community partners. But through their contributions to the Iowa STEM Youth Ambassadors Group, some students are providing their own leadership in the work advancing STEM.
The Iowa STEM Youth Ambassadors Group was established under the Iowa Governor's STEM Advisory Council in 2017. The Youth Ambassadors Group is instrumental in contributing to the STEM Council's mission and inspiring Iowa youth in STEM through peer-to-peer engagement, benefiting both the STEM ecosystem and the ambassadors themselves.
"My time as a STEM ambassador is helping me grow as a leader and communicator while learning how to advocate for others," says Harshita Mankotia (pictured here), a senior at Pleasant Valley High School and ambassador from the Southeast Iowa STEM Region. "As I plan to major in Mechanical Engineering at Saint Ambrose University, these experiences—along with my work in CAD and robotics—are preparing me to collaborate, lead, and create solutions in my future career."
The Iowa STEM Youth Ambassador Group is composed of Iowa youth from middle school to college age who have a passion or interest in science, technology, engineering, or mathematics. The group meets monthly, takes on projects as a team, and is a voice for peers—even on the robotics competition floor.
"One moment that stands out was at a robotics competition when a coach told me how much of a positive influence I was on her team," says Mankotia. "Hearing that and knowing I had impacted others so much that they looked up to me was incredibly meaningful and something I’ll never forget."
When asked what inspired her to become an ambassador, Erin Chen, a junior at Iowa City West High School, said sharing STEM experiences was a motivation.
"I wanted the chance to help promote STEM across Iowa and create opportunities for more people to explore STEM," says Chen.
And it's not just K-12 students and the ambassadors who benefit from STEM efforts, says Chen.
"I think STEM is important for everyone because it's the way we learn more about the world we live in," she says. "Science helps us answer questions about how things work, technology and engineering help us create things that help improve the way we live, and math powers all of those things."
Southeast Iowa STEM Region Youth Ambassador Group Representatives:
- Erin Chen, Iowa City West High School
- Max Vannorsdel, North Scott High School
- Avery Bradley, Muscatine High School
- Ishika Desai, Pleasant Valley High School
- Harshita Mankotia, Pleasant Valley High School
- Isha Salokhe, Burlington Community High School