Iowa State University and ISU Extension Are on a Quest for Engineering Talent in Every County

With a retiring generation of baby boomers and a more ethnically diverse U.S. population, there is a growing need to increase the number of underserved populations interested in engineering fields or pursuing engineering degrees. Iowa State University and ISU Extension are partnering to develop Engineering Talent in Every County (E:TEC).

Vision

The E:TEC program addresses the growing need for engineers entering the workforce by identifying and growing engineering talent in every Iowa county.

Mission

E:TEC connects partners across the state to increase awareness, enrollment, and engagement in engineering at Iowa State. E:TEC also offers scholarships to approximately 70 Iowa students each year.

Objectives

E:TEC is pursuing its mission by focusing on

• Partnering with ISU Extension to enhance existing and build new relationships with 4-H staff, educators, volunteers, parents and youth in every Iowa county
• Developing, distributing, and sharing resources with 4-H staff, educators, volunteers, parents  and youth
• Inspiring students in the study of science, technology, engineering, and math (SET or STEM)
• Increasing the number of underrepresented ethnic minorities and women receiving degrees in engineering
• Increasing the total number of engineering graduates at Iowa State University