Colorado School of Mines dangles “golden ticket” of guaranteed admission for Jeffco STEM students

Jeffco Public Schools students who graduate with a high GPA and a STEM diploma will also earn a “golden ticket” to Colorado Schools of Mines with guaranteed admission to any bachelor of science degree program starting in 2026. 

The partnership between Jeffco Public Schools and the state’s premier engineering school, announced Thursday, aims to encourage students with an interest and aptitude in science, technology, engineering and mathematics to complete a STEM-endorsed high school diploma by offering a direct path to Mines located in Golden, school officials said in a joint statement.

The first students eligible for the new program will be the class of 2026, who are currently juniors.

In a recent survey of Jeffco junior and senior STEM students, more than 50% said they would be more motivated to complete the STEM-endorsed diploma if it guaranteed admission to Mines, which is in Jefferson County.

“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,” Jeffco Superintendent Tracy Dorland said in a written statement. “The opportunity for our students who are passionate about STEM to build on the current skills and experiences they develop in high school and directly transition to a prestigious institution like the Mines is both inspiring and a meaningful investment in their education.” 

Jeffco students who pursue the STEM diploma are required to take four years of college prep or advanced math and three years of lab science, as well as complete a senior STEM capstone project, a hands-on course where 11th and 12th grade students tackle real-world challenges by designing, prototyping and presenting innovative solutions. 

To be eligible for guaranteed Mines admission, students must also maintain a cumulative, unweighted GPA of 3.8 or higher, apply to Mines by the Nov. 1 priority deadline and comply with all other standard admission requirements, the schools said. 

Paul C. Johnson, president of Colorado School of Mines, said he hoped that a guaranteed admission pathway would provide local students an “exciting new entry path” to Mines.

“By providing a guaranteed admissions pathway, we are ensuring that Jeffco students who demonstrate excellence in STEM have the opportunity to pursue a world-class education and earn a highly-valued degree while staying close to home,” Johnson said. 

Colorado School of Mines was ranked No. 76 out of 436 national universities by the U.S. News and World 2024 report.