Imagine being part of a program that not only teaches you advanced math but also connects you to industry giants like NASA—while offering the support you need to overcome life’s barriers. That’s exactly what Community College of Denver’s (CCD) Engineering Momentum: STEM Core program offers to underserved and underrepresented students, including minorities, women, and veterans. The program’s primary goal? To prepare students for Calculus within a year, setting them up for long-term success in math and engineering. 

Holistic Support for Students

People learn in various ways, and CCD’s Engineering Momentum program recognizes this. Students work in cohorts, taking classes together for the full year-long program, fostering a sense of community and collaboration. Along with working together, students receive weekly support from an academic counselor who attends their math classes, ensuring they stay accountable and overcome any challenges. 

Celeste Pegues-Rios is CCD’s Engineering Momentum STEM Core Student Support Specialist. “My role as the Student Support Specialist for the Engineering Momentum Grant/STEM Core program is to show up for my students in a more holistic way than they would get from an average advisor. I am in their math classes holding them accountable to showing up for their education and helping them navigate life barriers that may prevent them for making their education a priority,” said Pegues-Rios. Pegues-Rios also crafts and curates workshops, field trips, and interactive learning experiences that give students a hands-on look into the industry.

Real World Connections

In addition to the academic support, the program introduces students to industry professionals through guest speakers, allowing them to gain insights into the day-to-day realities of their future careers. This exposure can profoundly impact a student’s career path. 

CCD’s Engineering Momentum program goes even further by offering internships, guided tours of leading organizations like NASA, and transfer guidance to notable four-year universities such as the University of Colorado Boulder and Denver. These connections between the classroom and the real world equip students with both the knowledge and the experience they need to thrive. 

A Transformative Student Experience  

“This program has provided me with the support I need to succeed as a non-traditional student who is returning to school in my 20s,” commented Therese Stewart, CCD student. Stewart plans to continue her higher education journey at a four-year university for computer science or applied mathematics. 

Emily Serrano, a civil engineering major, shares a similar sentiment: “The [Engineering Momentum: STEM Core Program] has helped me better understand what I find fulfilling in my career. The program was well worth my time and energy, and I would recommend it to any engineering student who has the opportunity to join.” 

Investing in Students’ Success 

Beyond providing academic and emotional support, the Engineering Momentum program offers tangible financial resources. Students receive a stipend of up to $1,250 for their participation, reducing the financial barriers that can often hinder success.

With opportunities to learn and grow both personally and professionally, this program prioritizes students' needs every step of the way. Don't miss the chance to be part of a program designed to put your future first. Learn more about Community College of Denver's Engineering Momentum: STEM Core program and how you can start your journey today by visiting CCD.edu.