Program Overview
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.The program connects K-12 teachers with STEM-based employers, offering hands-on, immersive, work-based learning opportunities. These short-term experiences enable teachers to gain a deeper understanding of industry practices, empowering them to deliver more relevant content to students and better prepare them for the workforce.
Blue Canyon Technologies
(Subsidiary of Raytheon) - Five teachers toured this Lafayette/Boulder company that produces small turnkey satellite solutions, including CubeSats and microsatellites. Teachers toured two different facilities, had hands-on experiences, and participated in a panel Q/A session with engineers to learn about job requirements and career preparation for the field.
Testimonial
"I plan to apply what I learned in the classroom by integrating STEM projects that will require measurement and cutting as well as iteration. I will also take the aerospace information provided by Blue Canyon Technologies and present it to my students in order to make them aware of possible careers in both engineering and technical positions." - Nick Nassimbene, Legacy Point Elementary/Douglas County Schools
CSBR Internship/Externship
The Colorado Space Business Roundtable included three teacher externs in its summer program for 120 students from Colorado and Alabama. Teachers facilitated one-week on a virtual educational platform with more than 20 aerospace-focused businesses and professional associations in June and one in-person week for the Colorado students in July-August. Through this experience, teachers gained first-hand exposure and insights into aerospace careers in Colorado, while also building valuable relationships with community leaders and elected officials who are aerospace champions.
Testimonial
"As an educator in rural Weld County, Colorado I was unaware that the “universe of aerospace” was at our back door. My experience as a CDL teacher extern with CSBR not only strengthened and furthered my knowledge in the sciences, but provided me an insight to the overall intricacies of the aerospace industry." - Katherine Schifter, Milliken Middle School/Weld County RE5J
Sierra Space / iQ3Connect
One teacher participated in an externship focused on highlighting Extended (XR) and Virtual Reality (VR) as critical tools to the aerospace workforce. The teacher extern worked with the Sierra Space XRVR Engineering lead to stand up a virtual workspace that enabled device-agnostic access to vital information for the first Dream Chaser Spacecraft, Tenacity. The goal for this virtual workspace was to drive collaboration across departments, focusing on manufacturing and quality engineering, via visualization of some of the world’s most advanced CAD models.
Testimonial
"It was great to meet the entire team and feel all the support. I had no idea of all of the legislation and focus that our state government has on improving education. I am very excited to implement what I have learned and to continue my relationship with this amazing team!" - Shane Stalter, Monarch High School/Boulder Valley School District
Colorado Air and SpacePort (CASP)
Two teachers toured the Colorado Air and SpacePort facility with the Deputy Director, William Flowers. This tour was an opportunity for teachers to learn about the operations of the Spaceport and its importance to the aerospace industry in Colorado. This tour also included a visit to Reaction Engines, a rocket engine technology company with a test site at the SpacePort. The Spaceport serves as a hub for commercial space transportation and research.
Testimonial
"As someone who teaches about aviation and aerospace and helps students learn about career opportunities, it was helpful to know about the Colorado Air and SpacePort overall and its component parts. I enjoyed going in a small group, and it was great that all of the people we spoke with were friendly and had plenty to share." - Eric Gordon, Monarch High/Boulder Valley School District
QCaMP
Nine teachers participated in a Quantum, Computing, Mathematics and Physics camp on the CU Boulder campus. This three-day opportunity, designed by Sandia National Laboratories, allowed teachers to learn fundamental principles of quantum computing and quantum physics, and to understand how to apply these principles to real-life scenarios. They also gained access to resources for bringing quantum concepts into the classroom. We are excited about this opportunity to partner with Sandia to make this experience possible and expect that it will lay a foundation for more immersive quantum-focused externship experiences in the future in alignment with Colorado’s designation as a Tech Hub in the Elevate Quantum consortium.
Testimonial
"QcAMP was an exciting opportunity to learn how quantum computing will impact the fields of cybersecurity, physics, medicine and finance in the next 5 to 15 years." - Kristie Evans, Boulder TEC/Boulder Valley School District
African American Trade Association
One teacher participated in an externship to support students in a four-week Climate Adaptation and Resilience Academy as well as a two-week summer internship program for Denver Public Schools students interested in construction.
Testimonial
"The Externship taught me that the wave of future economic prosperity lies in a workforce that is well-versed in rising job markets like science, technology, engineering, and math." - LaVerne Donelson, Montbello High/Denver Public Schools
Colorado Energy Office / iQ3Connect
Two teacher externs developed a training curriculum for the Colorado Energy Office (CEO) using iQ3Connect's web-based virtual reality platform. This curriculum will enhance CEO's weatherization assistance program, which helps Coloradans save money by increasing efficiency and conserving energy in their homes. The training will ultimately be used by new and existing CEO employees to introduce them to the work or enhance their skills.
Testimonial
"During my externship I learned that the tools that we utilize in the classroom are still very relevant to current industry standard practices. We were able to focus on skills, techniques and programs that we currently use with our students in our pathways to help create an amazing Virtual Reality (VR) experience for the customers." - Robbie Ferguson, Westminster High School/Westminster Public Schools
Encore Electric
Two teachers joined this electrical commercial construction service firm for a two-day externship that provided an overview of operations, visits to active construction job sites and the prefab shop, and to the local chapter of Independent Electrical Contractors, the nonprofit organization that educates their apprentice electricians.
Testimonial
"Thank you very much for giving Brad and me the opportunity to learn about Encore and the electrician trade. The orientation for new apprentices on their first day showed me how much the company invests in each apprentice, encouraging them to work hard and be their best. This experience has been enlightening, and I look forward to applying these insights to help my students prepare for successful futures." - Chun Pfahnl, Colorado Early Colleges/Colorado Charter Institute
ReadingXR
One teacher was trained on a HoloLens mixed reality device, within the Reading XR platform. This teacher used the device to test 30-35 adults and students on reading fluency, comprehension, and eye-tracking patterns. Results were shared to improve the Reading XR technology for future users, including K-12 schools across the country.
Testimonial
"This externship was a valuable experience that highlighted the direct link between vision and literacy comprehension. It was insightful to observe these challenges firsthand and understand how essential it is to have accurate tools for effective literacy assessment. I will share my experiences and the impact of educational technology with my students to help them explore related career options. By discussing how technology affects learning and literacy, I can inspire students to consider careers in educational technology, data analysis, and related fields, emphasizing the importance of addressing the unique challenges faced by different communities." - Margelly Beltran, Horizon Community Middle School/Cherry Creek
Participating School Districts
- Aurora Public Schools
- Boulder Valley School District
- Brighton 27J
- Cherry Creek School District
- Colorado Charter School Institute
- Denver Public Schools
- Douglas County School District
- Jefferson County Public Schools
- Kiowa County School District RE-1
- Poudre School District
- Weld County RE-5J Public Schools
- Westminster Public Schools
Grant Coordinator
Kelly Reeser: kelly.reeser@state.co.us, C: 720-576-3480