CHALLENGE

Key research findings indicated the need to strengthen awareness of and interest in Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (STEM) education in Iowa’s rural and urban communities.

SOLUTION

Create a new billboard campaign featuring representatives from eight prominent STEM-based Iowa companies to connect STEM education to successful careers in Iowa. Billboards were featured in strategically targeted urban and rural areas across the state. The sites were chosen within the local vicinity of featured companies.

IMPACT

The most recent STEM awareness data shows a remarkable increase within rural communities. In small town and rural communities, awareness increased 28 percent over the previous year.  Overall, awareness across the state increased approximately 10 percent compared to the year prior.