DRHS STEM Program
We are a non-selective, in-person, district/school funded STEM program in cooperation with our Science, Math, and Engineering Departments. We offer early college credit, career connections, project based learning featuring inquiry and problem solving learning experiences.
DRHS STEM Choices
Dakota Ridge High School has many opportunities and pathways for students to develop strong STEM knowledge, skills and interests. As a comprehensive high school we strive to engage and motivate students of all abilities to pursue their choice of career. From Career Explore to International Bachelorette programs, Dakota Ridge High School has a pathway for everyone.
Our mission it to prepare students for success in a STEM career of their choice with customizable pathways including many fields. We hope to motivate students to thoughtfully choose rigorous courses and extracurricular activities that will engage their minds and create a solid foundation for future learning. We challenge our students to take all of the opportunities we offer so as to create for themselves a rewarding and successful future.
"A STEM program is a planned group of learning experiences that build toward an intentional STEM or STEM-related outcome." University of Chicago
There are many elements to the DRHS STEM Program. Through coordination between several departments, we are able to offer a wider breath of courses than most high schools. While there are clear progressions of courses in each department, students are encouraged to select classes that best meet their needs and interests. The student's curiosity, interest, enthusiasm, and dedication that has the greatest impact on cognitive development, academic achievement, and ultimately career success.
DRHS offers students the opportunity to earn a STEM Endorsed Diploma for the first time in 2022. The Colorado state government established this option in 2017 and Jeffco Public School began offering it in 2019. This endorsement tells colleges and employers that the student has exceeded the normal standards and has demonstrated exceptional proficiency in their STEM education.
Congratulations to Hailey Choi, Antonio Ortiz, Blake Kinney, and Ben Cocco for completing their Senior STEM Capstone Projects in the spring of 2022 and being the first DRHS students to earn the STEM Endorsement on their transcripts.
Pictured are Ezikiel Kuntz, Logan Kelly, and Gabe DeSilva who graduated in 2021. Ezikiel was the first DRHS student to earn cords for completing the PLTW Engineering Program by completing 3 year-long engineering courses. Logan and Gabe were the first to earn cords for participating in FIRST Robotics all 4 years of high school.
Click one of the links above to see more information about the STEM electives offered at DRHS.
“STEM Education is an experiential learning pedagogy in which the application of knowledge and skills are integrated through in-context projects or problems focused on learning outcomes tied to the development of important college and career readiness proficiencies.” nasta
“STEM employment in the United States continues to grow at a faster pace than employment in other occupations, and STEM workers command higher wages than their non-STEM counterparts. STEM degree holders enjoy higher earnings, regardless of whether they work in STEM or non-STEM occupations.” National Science & Technology Council
Engineering in colorado
Why should I consider a STEM career?
STEM careers are in high demand.
STEM careers are critical to our national security and economy.
STEM careers have some of the highest starting and average salaries.
There are many STEM careers that are high paying w/o a college degree.
STEM careers often lead to management and leadership positions.
STEM careers often lead to entrepreneurship opportunities.
STEM careers can be very emotionally satisfying:
Discovering new things.
Designing and making new things.
Operating and maintaining critical systems and national infrastructure.
Identifying and solving problems.