By Tom Ackerman
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Iowa has joined the trend in the U.S. by prioritizing funding for STEM studies over the humanities, giving more than $5 million to STEM programs and around $2.5 million to arts programs.

While a growing number of state legislators see the arts as a positive educational experience for students, more dollars are going to math and science programs that, they say, result in higher paying jobs.

“I think we should let people know that the STEM fields are preferable to the humanities,” said Sen. Mark Chelgren, R-Ottumwa.

“If you look at where the job opportunities are and what I would call a return on the investment for personal education, the STEM fields have a much higher return on investment and provide a lot more opportunities for individuals who pursue those fields,” he said.

After Gov. Terry Branstad retook office in 2011, his running make, Lt. Gov. Kim Reynolds helped play an active role in promoting STEM programs.

The two launched an initiative in 2012 called the Iowa Governor’s STEM Advisory Council’s Operations Team, which promotes activities and funding of math and science studies throughout the state. It funds STEM programs with $5.2 million annually.

Arts are funded, too, but they are budgeted at slightly more than $1.2 million in the appropriation for the Iowa Arts Council. The National Endowment for the Arts appropriates $636,700 to arts and humanity programs, and $613,792 is given to the Iowa Department for Cultural Affairs for cultural-grant programs, said Mathew Harris, an administrator at the Arts Council.

The total arts funding is around $2.5 million, less than half of what STEM programs receive.

Sen. Joe Bolkcom, D-Iowa City, said STEM programs have been a priority in the state because of the changing economy.

“It’s about workforce development and trying to stay current on what skills people need to do jobs in this evolving economy,” he said. “It’s been an ongoing challenge the state has been trying to address.”

He said he foresees a continued robust STEM initiative in Iowa.

“I think people recognize we need a skilled work force,” Bolkcom said. “We need to make sure our students are being prepared for the technical jobs and science- and computer-related jobs.”

Iowa City School Board member Phil Hemingway said he and other board members have pushed to include arts in the STEM initiative, making it a STEAM initiative.

“STEM curriculum is important, but we can never forget that we educate the whole student,” he said. “Just concentrating on math proficiency and engineering is not complete for a student.”

Hemingway acknowledged Iowa City may be unique in that it often favors more liberal studies, but said he’s never had a teacher or parent approach him and say art programs should be cut.

“Students learn differently,” Hemingway said. “Art is an opportunity to develop other skills and enthusiasms.”

Chelgren said STEM programs are important for critical thinking, which is also why it has become a priority, not only in Iowa, but throughout the United States.

“With technology, you are required to have some base knowledge of science and mathematics, but I think mostly, it’s just getting younger people excited about technological opportunities,” he said.