The Projects

Project #3 -The CH2M Hill Dreamers Math & Science Challenge

Completed on 03/28/08

The Overview

Name:              The CH2M Hill Dreamers Math & Science Challenge
Partners:         CH2M Hill and Colorado I Have A Dream Foundation
Timeline:         March 7 – 28, 2008

For this Challenge, Apprentice teams worked with the Colorado I Have A Dream Foundation (CIHADF) and CH2M Hill.

CIHADF strives to assist children (called Dreamers) from low-income communities to achieve their education and career goals by providing a 10-year program of mentoring, academic assistance, life-skills development, enrichment, and tuition assistance for higher education. 

CH2M Hill is a global engineering company that delivers tomorrow’s solutions today, helping clients plan, develop and manage infrastructure and facilities that improve efficiency, safety and quality of life.

On March 24 and 25—the first two days of spring break for both Denver Public Schools and Metro State, sixty kids in sixth and seventh grade came to campus on for fun- and fact-filled sessions on math, science, engineering and technology from the two Apprentice teams. View photos

The teams were charged with developing a fun, interactive and engaging three-hour program to teach the middle school students about and inspire them to consider a career in science, math, engineering or technology (STEM). The teams were also required to do the following: develop a multi-media presentation to introduce the concept of engineering to the students, making it relevant and tangible to middle school students; identify and lead the students in at least one hands-on activity; develop a kit that students could take home after the event to encourage further exploration of STEM, and develop a curriculum binder for Colorado I Have a Dream teachers to use in implementing programs and activities to support STEM education throughout the school year.

The Outcome

The teams presented their results to judges from CH2M Hill, the Colorado I Have a Dream Foundation, and Metro State faculty, staff and alumni on Friday, March 28. Projects were judged on how well the teams inspired and educated the middle schoolers, among other criteria.

The Reward

The winning Apprentice Challenge team, the 5280 Closers, were rewarded with a ski day at Winter Park on Sunday, March 30. The prize included free passes on the Ski Train to/from Winter Park, breakfast, day lift tickets and equipment from Breeze Ski Rentals. View photos