Six new education hubs will help put Iowa ahead in science education, according to Gov. Terry Branstad.

In a media release, governor's office says the new hubs, each of which is based at an Iowa college or university, will promote education in Science, Technology, Engineering and Math (STEM.) The project is part of the governor's STEM Advisory Council.

According to the release the six hubs are:

• Northwest hub – Iowa Lakes Community College
• Northeast hub – University of Northern Iowa
• North Central hub – Iowa State University
• Southwest hub – Southwestern Community College
• Southeast hub  – University of Iowa and Kirkwood Community College
• South Central hub  – Drake University

“These six regional STEM network hubs will be the driving force offering Iowa youngsters more opportunities to learn about STEM, which will better prepare them to someday consider STEM careers,” the governor said in a press release. “STEM fields are among the fastest-growing, with many jobs that pay well.”

Lt Gov. Kim Reynolds and University of Northern Iowa President Ben Allen are leading the governor's push for better STEM education.

“All Iowa students deserve a STEM education that has real-world applications,” Reynolds said Monday at a press conference, according to the Des Moines Register. “It opens doors to promising career opportunities as well as really meeting the needs of Iowa’s emerging economy.”