DSST Public Schools and Colorado School of Mines have taken a major step forward in expanding STEM opportunities for Colorado students. The two institutions have announced a new guaranteed admission pathway that will give qualifying DSST graduates a direct route into one of the nation’s top STEM universities.
The agreement strengthens a long‑standing relationship between DSST and Mines, creating a clear, academically rigorous pathway into Mines’ renowned engineering and applied science programs. For DSST students who dream of pursuing STEM at the highest levels, the pathway offers both clarity and possibility.
A Clear Pathway to a Top STEM University
Under the new agreement, DSST students who:
Maintain a designated GPA
Complete advanced math and science coursework
Earn a DSST STEM certificate
will be guaranteed admission into any four‑year Bachelor of Science program at Mines.
For DSST CEO Nella García Urban, the pathway is a powerful affirmation of the academic excellence DSST students demonstrate every day.
“Guaranteed admission to Mines affirms the exceptional level of preparation our students achieve through DSST’s STEM‑focused curriculum,” García Urban said. “This pathway recognizes the depth of their academic work and provides a clear, ambitious next step for those pursuing engineering, computer science, and other technical fields.”
More Than Admission: A Deeper Academic Partnership
Beyond guaranteed admission, the partnership expands hands‑on learning and advising opportunities for DSST students. They will have access to Mines faculty, labs, workshops, summer programs, and targeted advising to support their transition from high school to college. Mines will also collaborate with DSST educators to align coursework and enrichment opportunities with the expectations of rigorous STEM majors.
Lori Kester, associate provost of enrollment management at Mines, emphasized the shared values behind the partnership.
“This pathway is a testament to the shared values of Mines and DSST—academic rigor, a passion for discovery, and a commitment to excellence,” Kester said. “We’re proud to provide a seamless transition for these high‑achieving students so they can continue to push the boundaries of science and engineering right here in Colorado.”
Building on a Strong Pipeline
DSST graduates already attend Mines each year, and many thrive in its challenging academic environment. The new pathway formalizes that connection, offering earlier clarity and a more intentional bridge from DSST’s STEM certificate program to Mines’ demanding undergraduate degrees. It is one pathway - not the only one - but it strengthens an already successful pipeline.
For DSST alumna and current Mines student Atziry Ricalday, the partnership represents something deeply meaningful.
“DSST provided strong STEM resources and support during the college and scholarship application process,” Ricalday shared. “Even though Mines has been challenging, the foundation I built at DSST helped me adjust to a new environment. Partnerships like this help students who are interested in STEM find a clearer path. As a Hispanic woman pursuing engineering, access to opportunities and support systems like this can be life‑changing.”
Inspiring Current Students
Current DSST students are already feeling the impact of the announcement. For seniors like Samuel Abril of DSST: Cedar, the pathway makes a once‑distant dream feel within reach.
“As someone interested in STEM and still uncertain about my future, this partnership with Mines is an exciting opportunity,” Abril said. “It makes the goal of attending Mines feel more attainable.”
Looking Ahead
The guaranteed admission pathway will officially launch in the 2026–27 school year, opening new doors for DSST students who are ready to take on the challenge of a top‑tier STEM education.
For DSST and Mines, this partnership is more than an agreement—it’s a shared commitment to cultivating Colorado’s next generation of scientists, engineers, and innovators.