With bipartisan support in both the House and Senate, the National STEM Week Act is designed to strengthen industry workforce development by equipping students with the skills needed for the jobs of tomorrow.

DES MOINES, IOWA, March 20, 2025 – The Center of Science and Industry (COSI), in partnership with the U.S. Senator Joni Ernst, hosted a tour and STEM roundtable event at Kemin Industries in Des Moines, Iowa on Wednesday, March 19. The event brought together industry business leaders, educators, and policymakers to discuss the critical role of STEM education in shaping the workforce of the future as part of the rollout of the National STEM Week Act.

The bipartisan bill, co-developed by COSI and EXPLR, is being introduced in the Senate by Senator Joni Ernst (R-Iowa) and Senator Amy Klobuchar (D-MN) and is on track to be signed into law this year.

“We’ve always known that greatness stems from Iowans, and thanks to the leadership of Governor Reynolds, our state is at the forefront of STEM education,” said Senator Ernst. “In Iowa, we are fortunate to see science, technology, engineering, and math everywhere – from the classroom or the lab to the field or assembly line and beyond. STEM skills are key to fostering a growing and innovative economy, and I’m excited to be increasing access to these opportunities for students across our nation to prepare them for the workforce of tomorrow.”

Kemin Industries, a global leader in agricultural science and innovation, hosted the event to underscore the vital intersection of STEM and modern agriculture. From biotechnology to sustainable food production, STEM drives the advancements that shape the future of farming, food security, and environmental sustainability.

The event reinforced the need for a strong STEM workforce to support an evolving agricultural industry, highlighting the importance of National STEM Week in preparing students for these career opportunities.

“As a global ingredient manufacturer founded by science innovations, Kemin has been able to transform the quality of life for animals, humans, and pets around the world with our products thanks to our team of scientists, engineers, and experts in the STEM field,” said Dr. Chris Nelson, President and CEO, Kemin Industries. “We’re proud to support public and private partners in helping to reinforce the importance of STEM education in agriculture, which in turn fosters a strong STEM workforce here in Iowa and across the United States. We must do everything we can to empower and inspire young minds for generations to come.”

As even more industries face growing demands for a highly skilled STEM workforce, National STEM Week aims to strengthen the pipeline between education and employment by connecting students with real-world industry career pathways.

“COSI has long championed the power of STEM learning to transform lives and communities. More than just sparking interest in science, we need to connect students with the industries that define our economy, from sustainable food production and cutting-edge agriculture, to biotechnology, AI and emerging technologies,” said Dr. Frederic Bertley, President & CEO of COSI. “Co-developing this national initiative ensures that students have access to meaningful STEM experiences that prepare them for in-demand careers, strengthening both the American workforce and industry innovation.”

The introduction of the National STEM Week Act in the Senate builds on a bipartisan effort in the House, led by Representatives Joyce Beatty (D-OH) and Mike Carey (R-OH), underscoring broad national support for strengthening STEM education.

The National STEM Week Act is designed to elevate STEM education at all levels – primary, secondary, and postsecondary – while showcasing potential career pathways both in classrooms and through hands-on learning experiences. The initiative focuses on STEM workforce development by encouraging family engagement with STEM activities at home, and aims to strengthen partnerships between schools and industry leaders, providing students with real-world applications and mentorship opportunities.

Additionally, National STEM Week will empower states and local communities to develop and promote tailored STEM career pathway related activities, and resources that align with their unique educational and workforce needs.

COSI, ranked “#1 Science Museum in the Country” for four consecutive years as voted by USA TODAY’s 10Best, is an esteemed science center that has delighted Central Ohio with all things science for 60 years, inspiring interest in science, technology, engineering, arts and math (STEAM) topics and delivering our experiential, “hands-on fun” brand of learning. COSI has been awarded nine Emmys for its effective science communication television and video productions impacting science literacy for people of all ages. As a trusted educational resource for families, schools, and community partners, COSI is an essential element of our regional, national and international communities, engaging millions of people annually through onsite, offsite, and online experiences.

A native of Red Oak, Senator Joni Ernst has dedicated her life to her state and country, having served in the military for over 23 years and now serving in the United States Senate. A mother, veteran, and leader, she is working to grow a strong economy; stand up for Iowa farmers, families, and small businesses; hold Washington accountable; ensure a strong national defense; and support her fellow veterans. As a former 4-H member who grew up walking beans and feeding hogs on her family farm in southwest Iowa, she has experienced firsthand the valuable educational experiences and leadership opportunities student programs focused on STEM offer.

Kemin Industries (www.kemin.com) is a global ingredient manufacturer that strives to sustainably transform the quality of life every day for 80 percent of the world with its products and services. The company supplies over 500 specialty ingredients for human and animal health and nutrition, pet food, aquaculture, nutraceuticals, food technologies, crop technologies, textiles, biofuels, and animal vaccine industries.

For over half a century, Kemin has been dedicated to using applied science to address industry challenges and offer product solutions to customers in more than 120 countries. Kemin provides ingredients to feed a growing population with its commitment to the quality, safety, and efficacy of food, feed, and health-related products.

Established in 1961, Kemin is a privately held, family-owned-and-operated company with more than 3,500 global employees and operations in 90 countries, including manufacturing facilities in Belgium, Brazil, China, Egypt, India, Italy, San Marino, Singapore, South Africa, and the United States.