University of Denver and Silicon STEM Academy Launch “STEM for Grown-Ups”

PRESS RELEASE:  May 3, 2016

DENVER – The University of Denver’s Center for Professional Development and Silicon STEM Academy (SSA), have partnered to provide “STEM for Grown-Ups”, a new curriculum of interactive STEM-Intensive CEU courses and pathways for teachers and other professionals.

The Continuing Education programs cover a range of tech curriculum and coursework including computer programming, mobile application development, robotics, electronics, digital media and a craft-technology course.

“You’re never too old to learn something new. STEM for Grown-Ups offers everyone the opportunity to come back to school and learn the latest in the STEM sciences.  This curriculum builds critical thinking better than anything out there,” said Dr. Kim Gorgens, Associate Professor, Graduate School of Professional Psychology, and Executive Director of the Center for Professional Development of the University of Denver. “The program will equip professionals with the tools to thrive in an ever more STEM-focused world.”

Professionals interested in sampling STEM for Grown-Ups can choose from a selection of six courses in Photoshop, coding, robotics, app development and more during an introductory 5-hour immersive course on June 18.  Attendees will get a taste of the STEM offerings in an environment that is collaborative and welcoming to anyone new to STEM.

STEM, an acronym representing the disciplines of Science, Technology, Engineering and Math, has emerged within the education sector with a renewed urgency because of the demand for middle-skill jobs.  Middle-skill jobs, which require education beyond high school but not necessarily a four-year degree, make up the largest part of Colorado’s labor market and half of all STEM related jobs. By 2020, 74% of Colorado jobs will require some postsecondary education. Currently, less than one quarter of Colorado’s students receive that level of training.

This collaboration will present opportunities for teachers and professionals to acquire the knowledge and resources they need to integrate 21st Century subject matter and critical thinking skills into their disciplines.  For educators in particular, the University of Denver and SSA will motivate and inspire them with the newest technology to keep their skills sharp and ready to share with their students.

“This type of educational partnership will help bridge the gap between education and industry, and represents a perfect response to Colorado’s workforce demands by developing more teachers sooner and faster, and bringing more STEM education into the classroom at an earlier age,” said John Scarborough, co-founder of Silicon STEM Academy. “The new curriculum provides students and teachers with the hands-on skills required to be successful in a STEM-powered workplace.”

Register for STEM Tech Courses for Grown-ups:

For the introductory course on June 18, learn more at http://www.du.edu/professional/calendar/stem-for-grownups.html

For even more Immersive STEM education for professionals, including our certificate and CEU programming, learn more at http://siliconstemacademy.com/stem-professional-development-university-of-denver

About University of Denver’s Center for Professional Development

The University of Denver’s Center for Professional Development (CPD) delivers the gold standard in interprofessional education to teachers, mental health and other applied professionals by providing trusted content from world-class experts across disciplines. CPD is a new collaboration between the Graduate School of Professional Psychology, Morgridge College of Education, Graduate School of Social Work, and University College. CPD always features the latest in behavioral health, neuroscience, education, STEM, trauma, forensics, and much more. Check out our course calendar at www.du.edu/professional.

About Silicon STEM Academy

Silicon STEM Academy offers tech training programs geared toward students of all ages interested in learning technology. Its tech programs and STEM courses include computer programming, robotics, electronics & circuitry, and digital media. Designed to meet the needs of tech students where schools struggle to keep up with industry standards, it provides real-world technology skills in a fun, hands-on and collaborative workspace. Headquartered in Denver, Colo., Silicon STEM Academy was co-founded by successful technology executives and educators who saw the need for a technology-skilled workforce. Course times and curriculum are available at www.siliconSTEMacademy.com.