What is STEM Education?
Jeffco Schools offers numerous STEM programs for students throughout our district. We emphasize deeper learning for students in core content courses through inquiry and phenomena based science, complex tasks in mathematics, and computer science and engineering integration across disciplines. 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 our STEM programs, Pre-K through Post-Secondary, place an emphasis on essential skills such as communication and collaboration (see Jeffco Generation Skills) as well as transferable STEM specific skills such as defining problems and designing solutions.
Our STEM programs embrace a student driven, inquiry embedded instructional approach, utilizing educational models such as Project/Problem Based Learning and Design Thinking. Some of our Jeffco Schools partner with organizations to support STEM learning, including but not limited to: Creative Learning Systems, Expeditionary Learning, New Technology Network, PBL Works, and Project Lead the Way.
Why STEM Education?
Jeffco Public Schools is committed to excellence and opportunity for all students. STEM education is a critical component of this commitment, especially as our society continues to make great advancements in technology and commits to solving the complex problems of our age. STEM skills are becoming increasingly important in a variety of fields. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, STEM Occupations are projected to grow by 8.0 % between 2019 and 2029, compared with 3.4% 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 IT, to Statisticians, to Veterinarians. STEM pathways allow all students to engage in STEM learning experiences and develop the STEM skills necessary for future success. We believe our students have the potential to solve the world's greatest and most complex problems and a high quality STEM education will allow them to develop the knowledge and skills to turn those ideas into reality.
For more information about how individual schools across Jeffco provide STEM Education opportunities, please visit Jeffco School Finder.
CONTACTS
Kat Yelenick
STEM Coordinator
[email protected]
303-982-8974
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Heather Waldron
Assistant Director, Postsecondary Workforce Readiness Options
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