Program Design
Science Bound is Iowa State University's pre-college through college program designed to meet our state and national need for a highly-trained workforce by increasing the number of Iowa students who earn agricultural, scientific, technical, engineering, and mathematics (ASTEM), and education degrees. Our program draws students with potential from middle and high schools in Des Moines, Denison, Marshalltown, and Osceola (Clarke County), Iowa.
Science Bound identifies middle school students with potential in math and science, then guides and supports them through earning a bachelor’s degree in an ASTEM or education field. Science Bound employs a 4-way collaborative model that encircles students in ongoing support, guidance, and encouragement from Iowa State University (ISU) faculty and staff, corporate STEM professionals, school district teachers and administrators, and parents and families of participants.
The National Science Foundation continues to call for an increase in the number of young people in ASTEM who pursue a rewarding career. Science Bound focuses on this NSF call.