STATE POLICy Issues

Colorado

In recent years, the state of Colorado has become a leader in health care, professional services, aerospace and defense. How do the children and teachers thrive in this mountain state?

Landscape

In Colorado, research and development fuels business growth. With over $2.65 billion in federal grants in R&D alone, Colorado needs a scientifically and technologically literate worker to address the diverse needs of the professional services, health care and aerospace industries.

40% of Colorado students are at or above proficiency and are in the top 50% when tested for 8th grade science. 88% of all high school students graduate while 46% of the schools in the state receive Title I support.  

Colorado applied for Race the Top funding in both cycles and were turned down. As state leaders evaluate how to strengthen its position against other states, and address workforce and job issues. An analysis of Colorado’s challenges was commissioned by the Piton Foundation in collaboration with the Donnell-Kay Foundation, the Colorado Children’s Campaign and the Public Education & Business Coalition.

Activities

In July 2011, HOSP completed a video project with Denver Public Schools highlighting their investment in hands-on inquiry based science education programs for the district. When Michael Bennett (now Senator) was the school’s superintendent he championed the notion of a materials based program and now it is bearing results. HOSP will continue to work with DPS and other Colorado schools as well as the Governor’s Office and federal legislatures to ensure that they support STEM education as part of the re-authorization of NCLB, and that Colorado can connect its developments in STEM education to jobs in the future.

HOSP is always looking for ways to support the great work in STEM across the U.S. Do you have a story you want to tell, an organization or idea that is doing good work or legislation that you would like some advocacy help with? We want to help!
Please email us at info@handsonsciencepartnership.com