Get Involved - CS Educator and Student Opportunties

Educator Opportunities 

This is a curated list of both state and national computer science, or computer science related events and opportunities.  We are working together statewide to increase awareness of and access to Computer Science resources, events and opportunities. CDE does not endorse any specific event, professional development, set of instructional materials or curriculum. Click here to learn more about upcoming opportunities and events for educators and students. Please complete this form to have an upcoming event or opportunity added to this list.  Requests will be sent to Pam Lewis, CDE Computer Science Senior Consultant, who will add items to the list if deemed appropriate and relevant. 

FREE Colorado Virtual AI Summit on March 28th - Register Now! 

FREE Professional Learning Series - Webinar Wednesdays 

CDE invites all K12 educators to join us for a free professional learning series focused on innovating instruction in K-12 classrooms.  Each week, facilitators from CDE and other organizations will lead engaging sessions on topics such as how to integrate the three newest computer science standards - AI (Artificial Intelligence), Digital Citizenship, and Cybersecurity.  Professional learning certificates will be available for all who attend.    

Final Sessions for the 24-25 School Year: ​

• March 19th : Jippity

• March 26th :  Hello World CS

• Click here to view archived webinar recordings on our Instructional Support page. 

Teach Engineering Champions PD opportunity

Summer Opportunities

• 4 Corners Computer Science Convening - June 22-24, 2025|Flagstaff, AZ

  The 4 Corners Computer Science Convening returns this summer and registration is now open.   This event is for K-12 Educators and administrators that work directly with Native American students.  If you already teach Computer Science, are curious about teaching CS or would like to connect with others doing similar work, this conference is for you.  Registration is now open and organizers are looking for presenters.  Click here to register or apply to present for this event.  

• Rock CS - June 8, 2025|Breckenridge, CO

  Rock CS thrives on the passion and expertise of educators like you. If you have an inspiring computer science lesson, project, or strategy to share, seize this final weekend to apply as a presenter in Breckenridge! Presenters enjoy free conference registration and a prime opportunity to connect with fellow CS teachers from across Colorado.  Click here to register for this event. 

  Registration for Rock CS 2025 is now open! Join us in Breckenridge on June 8 for a full day of hands-on learning, networking, and inspiration in computer science education.  Register Now* for Rock CS – Early Bird Pricing Ends 4/30! 

• Technanigans – Exploring the Fun, the Fundamentals, and the Future of Technology- June 3, 2025|Loveland, CO

  Call for Presenters and Conference Registrations are open now Are you passionate about the intersection of education and technology? Do you have innovative ideas, research, or best practices to share? We invite educators, technologists, researchers, and thought leaders to present at Technanigans, Thompson School District's inaugural ed tech conference, taking place on June 3 in Loveland, CO. Serving up a day of inspiration and collaboration, this exciting event brings together educators and industry experts to explore the latest innovative trends in educational technology and learning. Learn with our keynote speaker Matt Miller and other EdTech aficionados like you. Submission Details: Proposal Deadline: March 21 |Session Formats: 50-minute Workshops or Panels, 7-minute Lightning Talks, or 45-minute roundtable discussions|Who Should Apply? K-12 & Higher Ed Educators, Researchers, Administrators, and Industry Experts

• Research Experiences for HS Teachers and Community College Instructors |Summer 2025 |Colorado School of Mines

  Interdisciplinary Additive Manufacturing Research Experience for Teachers (IAM-RET)

  Six weeks, full time, $7K stipend. Participate in actual additive manufacturing (3D printing) research with metals, ceramics, and polymers plus explore and modify AM curriculum. Take an industry recognized certification and explore related curricula and have industry tours. See the IAM-RET website for more information and registration. Summer 2025 at Mines campus in Golden, CO.
   
  Modern AI-Assisted Robotics Research Experience for Teachers (MAR-RET)
  Six weeks, full time, ~$6K stipend. Participate in actual AI-Assisted robotics research. Learn and customize curriculum AI-assisted modules (e.g., voice / motion recognition, color/object tracking, lidar-based perception, autonomous navigation). Receive a modern robot for classroom use in AY 25-26.  Meet with industry speakers. For more information and registration visit the MAR-RET website. Summer 2025 at Mines campus in Golden, CO.

• MindSpark Learning Code.org Summer Workshop - June 16-20| Lakewood, CO

  MindSpark is the Regional Partner for Code.org in Colorado. MindSpark has served over 4,000 K-12 educators in professional learning with Code.org programs. This summer, they are hosting their secondary week-long professional learning in-person! MindSpark is excited to bring together cohorts of educators looking to increase their skills and improve access and opportunities for students in computer science. Click here to learn more and apply today.  Workshop Dates: Monday, June 16th - Friday, June 20th (9:00am - 4:00pm daily) Workshop Location: 13949 West Colfax Avenue, Lakewood, Colorado 80401, United States

  Code.org is also now offering grant matching opportunities and other grants to increase access and support to districts available through MindSpark. Interested schools and districts would need to meet with MindSpark staff and can sign up to do so on this calendly.

Get Involved

Colorado Computer Science Network - Join the Conversation 

Join the statewide computer science ListServ by completing this brief Google Form.  Members of the ListServ will receive monthly updates from CDE's Computer Science Senior Consultant as well as occasional time sensitive emails.  ​

Statewide CS and STEM Organizations

Below is a sampling of the many organizations across the state that focus on Computer Science and STEM education.  Click on each organization to learn more. ​​

• Colorado Computer Science Collaborative: Colorado Computer Science and EdTech educators are all invited to attend these quarterly collaborative meetings.  Contact Pam Lewis to be added to the invite list Lewis_P@cde.state.co.us

• Computer Science Teacher's Association (CSTA CO): Join the local chapter, access resources, and join the discussion.  CSTA - Colorado Chapter: CSTA is your place to belong, grow as a CS teacher, and impact your classroom and beyond. Join 19,000 teachers and counting and gain access to tools and resources to help take your teaching practice to the next level.

• Colorado Career and Technical Education (CTE): Stay updated with news from CarrieAnn Mathis, M.A.Ed, CTE Program Director for ETMA by joining the mailing list. Learn more about Colorado's Career Cluster Model by clicking here. 

• Colorado STEM Ecosystem: The Colorado STEM Ecosystem 2.0 (CO STEM) is a statewide grassroots coalition to (1) uplift existing successful efforts, and (2) jumpstart cross-sector collaboration to bridge educational and economic needs across Colorado. Our definition of STEM is broad, interdisciplinary, and inclusive." 

Student Opportunities 

​Student Alliance with The National Cybersecurity Center: By being a part of the Student Alliance with The National Cybersecurity Center, students get to stay up to date on the latest cyber activities and competitions, have access to possible internship opportunities, workshops, and initiatives. Our goal is to get students educated and certified for the work they are doing at school that can translate to something long term. If you're interested in joining the Cyber community, sign up here to be a part of the Student Alliance. 

Girls Who Code: FREE Summer Programs for High School Students Do you have high school students curious about tech and its role in shaping the future? Girls Who Code’s virtual Summer Programs offer a unique chance for girls and non-binary high schoolers to explore cutting-edge topics in a supportive, no-pressure environment. Beginner to advanced coders can answer some quick questions in our Summer Programs Application to start their summer adventure. With two exciting options, students can choose the program that works with their schedules and interests!  Encourage Students to Apply Here. 

Registration open for 2025 Mines High School Programming Competition| April 26, Colorado School of Mines In-Person Competition: We will be hosting an in-person competition for students on 26 April 2025. Students who come in-person will be able to compete for prizes and participate in our opening and closing ceremonies and an optional campus tour.  Register your in-person team now at https://mineshspc.com/register 

NCWIT Aspirations in Computing Awards "NCWIT (The National Center for Women and Information Technology) is the farthest-reaching network of change leaders focused on advancing innovation by correcting underrepresentation in computing."  "NCWIT Aspirations in Computing (AiC) offers four distinct awards that honor aspirations, abilities, technical accomplishments, and influential guidance."

• High School Student Aspirations Award
  • ​"The AiC High School Award honors 9th-12th grade women, genderqueer, and non-binary students for their computing-related achievements and interests, and encourages them to pursue their passions. Award recipients are selected based on their aptitude and aspirations in technology and computing, as demonstrated by their computing experience, computing-related activities, leadership experience, tenacity in the face of barriers to access, and future plans. Since 2007, more than 25,000 students have received an AiC Award."
  • Learn about eligibilities, prizes, the application process, and more by clicking here. 

To suggest an organization be added to this list, please email Pam Lewis, CDE Computer Science Consultant at lewis_p@cde.state.co.us