STEMpath
Upskilling educators to teach Computer Science
STEMpath 2024 is now…STEMpath 2025! We’ve changed the date to optimize the program. Questions? Email: stempath@mindspark.org
STEMpath is a 24-credit graduate-level computer science certificate program.
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This program combines industry-driven coursework, work-based learning through externships, and professional learning for educators at all grade-levels and disciplines. STEMpath increases the number of highly-qualified STEM and Computer Science (CS) teachers, creates relevancy and excitement for students, and ultimately creates a system change by increasing the number of students entering the STEM workforce. Each STEMpath cohort is made up of teachers from all grade-levels and disciplines across the United States.
Structure
The 12-month program is broken down into three semesters with each cohort starting each January.
Semester 1
Information Science, Equity-Centered Design Thinking, and Career Literacy courses with MindSpark
Semester 2
6 week Externship with an industry partner
Semester 3
Algorithms and Programming, IT Systems, and Cybersecurity courses with a higher education partner
Case Studies
STEMpath Calls an Educator Back to Teaching; Students “come alive” in STEM Lab and Maker Space
After almost a decade, Anna Kwan stopped teaching. She left the Denver Public Schools District (DPS), gave all her teaching materials away, and let the teaching license she’d worked so hard for expire. She took a job traveling across the globe, but it didn’t last. She missed her students and the classroom.
STEMpath Alumni Testimonials:
"STEMpath was a vital piece for preparing my students to the modern-day workforce because it updating my vocabulary and lens on employability skills... I can now legitimately encourage students interested in becoming visual artists that learning to program will benefit them in an art career."
Kelsey R., Computer Science and Engineering
Frequently Asked Questions:
Is STEMpath a Graduate, or Masters Degree?
STEMpath is not a Masters degree, it is a Masters certificate program. STEMpath participants earn 24 graduate-level credits.
What is the timeline of the program?
STEMpath is one year long. It’s broken up into three semesters– classes facilitated by MindSpark Learning, a 6-week externship with an industry partner, and lastly graduate level courses at MSU (Metropolitan State University).
Do I have to have a teaching license?
Yes, you must have a teaching license or be in pursuit of one at the time of your application. Educators at K-12 public, private, or charter schools may apply.
Do I have to have prior experience in computer science, coding, etc.?
No, any K-12 educators are eligible to apply whether they are at private, public or charter schools, regardless of religious affiliation. We welcome ALL K-12 educators!
Is this a virtual/remote program?
Yes – STEMpath is virtual! All synchronous classes are held in Mountain Standard Time, via Zoom.
What is the cost of the program?
Donations from community and industry partners make it possible to establish an educator scholarship fund each year. While the total cost of this program is valued at $14,000 USD for the 24-credit certificate, your cost will be no more than $5,400 USD.
What are the payment options?
Please contact stempath@mindspark.org to discuss flexible tuition payment options. In some cases, a school district will sponsor an educator; we’d love to discuss this possibility with you!
What is the typical workload for this program?
The STEMpath certification is designed for educators. We understand that during the school year, teachers are busy, and time is limited. Therefore, all classes are virtual/remote.
While we do accommodate the best we can, we do like to acknowledge that this is 24 graduate credits, which requires a time commitment.
There are three semesters: 9 credits remotely with MindSpark, 6 remote externship credits in the summer and 9 remote credits with Metropolitan State University of Denver.
What does the summer externship entail?
The summer externship is 6 weeks long. Educators are paired with one of our industry partners. It is remote/virtual. STEMpathers speak highly of this experience and gain valuable insight into the relevance of STEM/CS skills in the workplace.
What's the deal with scholarships?
The full program cost of STEMpath is $14,000 USD, but with scholarship money and other generous donations we are able to offer STEMpath for $5,400.
Still have questions? Our team is here to help! Contact us today.
STEMpath Program Partners
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