K-12 Teacher Externships for STEM Occupations
About the Program
Envisioned in the spirit of innovation, equity, and authentic collaboration, Colorado House Bill 23-1198 is the cornerstone for a new statewide K-12 Teacher Externship Program focused on Science, Technology, Engineering and Math-focused (STEM) occupations. This visionary initiative, driven by the Colorado Department of Labor and Employment (CDLE), is a state-led commitment to bridge the gap between education and industry and will be a catalyst for diverse and inclusive workforce development efforts in high-growth, high-demand STEM fields.
We are actively seeking business hosts and teacher participants for externships in 2025. The level of interest from businesses and teachers helps shape this program, and each externship can be customized to meet the specific needs of our partners. For more information and to apply, please follow the links provided on this page.
What is an Externship?
Externships are work-based learning opportunities that allow teachers to spend anywhere from a few days to a few weeks working onsite at a Colorado business to gain exposure to work environments in career sectors that their students may pursue. These experiences provide teachers with a deeper understanding of industry practices, empowering them to deliver more relevant content to students to better prepare them for the workforce.
CDLE's program connects K-12 teachers with STEM-focused employers offering hands-on, immersive learning opportunities. Businesses identify a specific project or problem as the externship focus, then select a highly skilled teacher(s) to work in that area. The program is available to any Colorado-based STEM-focused business and all Colorado K-12 public school teachers.
Access a current list of Confirmed Business Hosts for 2025. Recruitment is ongoing; new business hosts will be added as soon as they are confirmed. For questions about the program, please contact Kelly Reeser, Teacher Externship Grant Coordinator, at kelly.reeser@state.co.us or 720-576-3480.
In the News
September 10, 2024 - STEM Ecosystem Connects Educators and Students with Potential Employers and Resources
Just as organisms in an ecosystem collaborate for survival and balance, partners in a STEM ecosystem work together to sustain education and the future workforce. Read more about STEM Ecosystem Connects Educators and Students with Potential Employers and Resources.
August 31, 2024 - What’s Working: How a Colorado Program is Linking Quantum, Space, and Tech Companies to a a Future Workforce
The state’s externship program has placed teachers at quantum, space and other STEM companies. Will real-life experiences translate into inspiring students? Read more about What’s Working: How a Colorado Program is Linking Quantum, Space, and Tech Companies to a a Future Workforce.
August 7, 2024 - CDE Field Trips: Teacher Externship Program Visits Buckley Space Force Base
Teachers and about 60 students recently visited Buckley Space Force Base and several aerospace companies as part of a paid summer externship for educators to learn more about what their students need to learn to thrive in the industry. Read more about CDE Field Trips: Teacher Externship Program Visits Buckley Space Force Base.
June 11, 2024 - Press Release: Labor Department Host Colorado Teachers at QCaMP, a Quantum Computing, Mathematics and Physics Program
(DENVER) — It’s no secret the quantum industry means big things for Colorado’s economy. Read more about Press Release: Labor Department Host Colorado Teachers at QCaMP, a Quantum Computing, Mathematics and Physics Program.
March 4, 2024 - Colorado Seeking Employers to Bring Teachers into Their Workplaces
For nearly a decade now, Colorado government leaders have been asking employers to consider bringing students into their companies for apprenticeships and internships. Now they have a new request to those same employers: Please make time for teachers as well. Read more about Colorado Seeking Employers to Bring Teachers into Their Workplaces.
January 8, 2024 - Press Release: CDLE Launches New Teacher Externship Program
CDLE is seeking STEM businesses to host K-12 teachers to amplify hands-on work-based learning opportunities. Read more about Press Release: CDLE Launches New Teacher Externship Program.