Colorado School of Mines and Jeffco Public Schools are partnering to establish a guaranteed admissions pathway to Mines for local high school students interested in science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM). Under the new agreement, Jeffco students who maintain a specific GPA, complete advanced math and science coursework, and graduate with a STEM-endorsed diploma will be eligible for guaranteed admission into any four-year Bachelor of Science degree program at Mines.
The first cohort of eligible Jeffco students will be the Class of 2026, currently in their junior year. “I’m excited about the incredible opportunities this partnership between Jeffco and Mines will create for our students,” said Jeffco Superintendent Tracy Dorland. “Right now, our district is focused on reimagining the high school experience to ensure every student is prepared for a bright and successful future—whatever that may look like for them.”
The agreement aims to encourage Jeffco students to complete a STEM-endorsed high school diploma by offering direct admission to Mines. In a recent survey, over 50% of Jeffco junior and senior STEM students indicated they would be more motivated to achieve the STEM endorsement if it led to guaranteed admission at Mines. “This partnership creates an exciting new entry path to Mines for local students and rewards them for earning a STEM-endorsed diploma while in high school,” said Paul C. Johnson, president of Colorado School of Mines.
To qualify for guaranteed admission, Jeffco students must complete four years of college prep math (or advanced math), three years of lab science and a Senior STEM Capstone Project while maintaining a cumulative unweighted GPA of 3.8 or higher. They must also apply to Mines by the Nov. 1 priority deadline and meet other standard admission requirements. The STEM Capstone is a year-long course where students work on real-world challenges and develop critical thinking and problem-solving skills.
Jeffco’s STEM programs focus on a student-driven approach, incorporating project-based learning and design thinking. The guaranteed admissions pathway aims to keep top Colorado STEM students in-state, providing a direct route to Mines.
