Grassley, Patent & Trademark Office Director, Lieutenant Governor to Discuss Innovation and STEM Education at Bettendorf High school

WASHINGTON – Senator Chuck Grassley has invited U.S. Patent and Trademark Office Director Michelle Lee to join in a discussion with him, Lieutenant Governor Kim Reynolds and Bettendorf High School students on the importance of studying the fields of science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM).  The event, slated for 2:00 PM Wednesday, Feb. 17, 2016, at Bettendorf High School, will highlight the importance of U.S. innovation and development of skills to meet the needs of a growing U.S. technology industry.

“The technology and service industries are important pieces of our economy, and they’ve dramatically expanded in recent years.  To continue this growth, we need future generations of American workers to be skilled in the fields of science, technology, engineering and math.  The opportunities for success in STEM are limited only by our expertise and enthusiasm for innovation.  I’m grateful that our USPTO Director Lee will be joining us for this important and exciting discussion,” Grassley said.

The student discussion will include presentations from Grassley, Lee and Reynolds, as well as Bettendorf High School’s principal and STEM coordinator. Bettendorf student Cara Mastanduno will also discuss her experience with STEM courses.  A press conference and teacher professional development session will follow the student assembly.

Grassley chairs the Senate Judiciary Committee, which is responsible for intellectual property legislation and oversight of the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office.  The Patent and Trademark Office provides programming for students, educators and young inventors to promote STEM and expand access to intellectual property, innovation and invention resources.

Here are details on the Bettendorf High School events.  Each event is open to the media.