STEM Education

STEM Education in Jeffco

Jeffco’s science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) programs embrace a student-driven, inquiry-embedded instructional approach, utilizing educational models such as project- or problem-based learning and design thinking.

In addition to core content, students have the opportunity to engage in industry-aligned STEM programming that develops the academic, technical and professional skills necessary for a successful future in STEM. All of Jeffco’s STEM programs emphasize durable skills such as communication and collaboration and transferable STEM-specific skills such as defining problems and designing solutions.

Jeffco Public Schools offers STEM learning opportunities for students across the district that prepare them to thrive in an increasingly complex and technology-driven world. Our programs emphasize deep, authentic learning through inquiry-based instruction, phenomenon-driven science, rigorous mathematical thinking, engineering design, computational thinking, and computer science integration across disciplines.

Students engage in hands-on, real-world learning experiences that encourage them to ask questions, investigate challenges, design innovative solutions, analyze data, and communicate their ideas. By integrating science, technology, engineering, and mathematics with creativity, collaboration, and critical thinking, Jeffco STEM programs help students develop the knowledge, technical skills, and durable skills needed for college, careers, and lifelong learning.

Some Jeffco schools partner with organizations to support STEM education, including but not limited to:

Creative Learning Systems
Expeditionary Learning
Project Lead the Way
NASA HUNCH
NASA Tech Rise
AP Programming

Why STEM Education?

Jeffco Public Schools believes every student deserves opportunities to explore, create, innovate, and solve meaningful problems. STEM education provides students with the knowledge, skills, and mindset to navigate a rapidly changing world while preparing them for a wide range of postsecondary pathways and careers.

Whether students pursue engineering, healthcare, skilled trades, computer science, business, environmental science, advanced manufacturing, or fields yet to be imagined, STEM develops transferable skills that are valuable in every profession. Students learn to think critically, analyze information, collaborate effectively, communicate ideas, adapt to new technologies, and approach complex challenges with creativity and resilience.

According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, STEM Occupations are projected to grow by 8.1% between 2024 and 2034, compared with 2.7% projected growth for non-STEM occupations, and the median annual salary for STEM occupations in the U.S. was more than twice that of non-STEM occupations. According to the Colorado Talent Pipeline report, the top 10 highest-growing occupations in the Denver Metro area are all STEM-aligned careers, from information technology to statisticians to veterinarians.

STEM education also empowers students to become informed citizens and engaged problem-solvers. By investigating authentic issues and designing solutions that positively impact their communities and the world, students develop confidence in their ability to make a difference.

At Jeffco, STEM pathways provide equitable access to meaningful learning experiences that foster curiosity, innovation, and lifelong learning. Our goal is to ensure every student graduates with the knowledge, technical skills, and durable skills needed to succeed in college, careers, and a future shaped by discovery and innovation.

Visit School Finder for more information about how individual schools across Jeffco provide STEM education opportunities.

CO STEM Endorsed Diploma

Jeffco offers eligible graduating seniors the option of earning a Colorado STEM-endorsed high school diploma, provided students demonstrate specific STEM-related outcomes throughout their high school education. To earn the endorsement students must:

Earn four STEM-related credits, beyond those required for graduation, with a 3.5 GPA (in those STEM courses). Learn more about Jeffco's graduation requirements.
Demonstrate a high proficiency in mathematics (as determined by specified state and/or national assessments).
Complete a STEM capstone that demonstrates mastery of specific STEM skills. Review the Jeffco STEM Capstone Rubric here.

Base layer says "Meet Graduation Requirements"; Second layer says "Complete Approved Coursework"; Top layer says "Capstone Project"

Jeffco–Colorado School of Mines Guaranteed Admission Pathway (GAP)

Through a partnership between Jeffco Public Schools and Colorado School of Mines, qualified Jeffco students can earn guaranteed admission to any four-year Bachelor of Science degree program at Mines.

Students admitted through the Jeffco Guaranteed Admission Pathway (GAP) will also be offered a $5,000 annual scholarship for up to four years—a total potential value of $20,000.

To qualify, students must:

Earn the Colorado STEM Endorsed Diploma, including four additional STEM credits, mathematics proficiency and successful completion of STEM Capstone
Maintain a cumulative 3.8 or higher unweighted GPA
Complete four years of college-preparatory or advanced mathematics through at least Trigonometry or Pre-Calculus
Complete at least three years of laboratory science, including Physics or Chemistry
Meet an approved mathematics benchmark: ACT Math 28+, SAT Math 600+, AP Math 4+, IB Math 5+, Accuplacer AAF 280+ or ASVAB 85+ (as defined by the STEM Diploma)
Apply to Colorado School of Mines by the November 1 priority deadline
Meet all other Mines admission requirements and remain eligible through graduation

STEM Capstone is a yearlong, student-driven experience in which students investigate a real-world problem, develop a product or solution, work with professional mentors, create a digital portfolio and present their work to a public panel.

Completing STEM Capstone or earning the STEM Endorsed Diploma alone does not guarantee admission. Students must complete all GAP requirements.

Students interested in the pathway should speak with their school counselor and STEM Capstone teacher early to ensure their course plan meets all requirements.

Learn more about the Jeffco–Mines partnership
Explore Colorado School of Mines undergraduate programs

Colorado Department of Education STEM Colorado legislation regarding STEM Endorsed Diploma Colorado Succeeds

Career and Technical Education (CTE)

STEM programs at our middle and high schools are a part of Jeffco’s robust Career and Technical Education (CTE) pathways. Jeffco offers industry-aligned career pathways in a variety of STEM areas including advanced manufacturing, agriculture, architecture and construction, aviation/aerospace, biotechnology, computer science, energy, engineering, health science, information technology, and water quality management.

For more information about these and other CTE Pathways, including courses and outcomes, please visit the Colorado State Plan website.

Invest in Jeffco STEM

Partner with Jeffco Career Links

The goal is to connect current professionals with Jeffco students to showcase various industries and careers, and bridge connections for the future workforce within Jefferson County. As a representative of your business or organization, you will interact in various activities with students by helping them understand what a career in your field can entail.

Visit the Jeffco Community Connected Partnerships Page to learn more about partnering with Jeffco Career Links. We look forward to our partnership with you to inspire and empower the next generation of professionals!

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Contact Us

STEM Department

Phone: 303-982-8974
Email: kat.yelenick@jeffco.k12.co.us