mindSpark Learning Expands Grad-level STEM Certification Program to Educators Nationally
STEMpath’s 2021 cohort will be held virtually to accommodate the increased demand for STEM-related professional training
mindSpark Learning, a Denver-based national nonprofit dedicated to empowering educators with industry-oriented professional learning experiences, announced today STEMpath will be virtual for its 2021 cohort, enabling the organization to meet the increased demand to open the program to more educators across the U.S.
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2021 marks STEMpath’s third year of providing K-12 educators with a 24 credit graduate-level STEM certification course, which gives them the skills to better prepare the future workforce. The immersive program provides work-based learning through industry externships, coursework and dynamic professional learning. On average, each participant impacts 26 student lives, reaching 400-650 students every year.
All past participants reported STEMpath was an invaluable professional development experience as they acquired the skills needed to have a positive impact on their organization and promote an equitable environment.
As one of the only STEM certification programs to host externships with industry partners, STEMpath graduates see first-hand how STEM skills and processes like SCRUM can be used both in the classroom and workplace. Externship partners have included Lockheed Martin, TTEC, Sphero EDU, Couragion, WeThrive and UpChieve.
Participants graduate with a well-rounded, well-informed perspective of computer science far beyond the traditional skills of coding and programming. Upon completion of this course, participants receive a graduate-level certificate in Computer Science (Cybersecurity), significantly upskilling each person in the cohort. In fact, 75% of graduates reported a salary increase within a year of completion.
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Founding partners, mindSpark Learning, Metropolitan State University of Denver, Couragion and Colorado Succeeds, have gained support from generous funding partners, including the Morgridge Family Foundation, Ball Corporation, Lockheed Martin, Pathways to Tomorrow and Bitsbox to decrease the initial $14,000 investment to $4,800 for each participant.
“Since launching STEMpath, it has been our goal to bring this program to educators nationally. We’re thrilled that we can now offer this more broadly,” said mindSpark CEO Kellie Lauth. “We are so thankful to our supporters and partners as we continue to pursue new ways to certify and upskill more STEM educators, diversifying programs and bringing about direct intersection with industry models.”
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